Q Methodology (2 days)
Dates:
February 20, 2012 - February 21, 2012
Instructor:
Dr Amanda Wolf This course is designed for those who have a solid knowledge of research design and methodology and a curiosity about what Q methodology offers as an approach to the study of subjectivity. Over the two days, we will consider all steps in a Q study from soup to nuts, with lots of hands-on opportunities for workshop participants serving as both researchers and participants. Attention will be given to both the basic steps involved in a Q-methodology study and the foundational theory and concepts.
Participants should bring a USB stick, onto which they will download the freeware programme PQMethod and analyse the class-generated data.
Prerequisites:
The course is suitable for those who have some academic knowledge and/or practical research experience, ideally both quantitative and qualitative, although no specific content knowledge is required. The course is open to all disciplines. Participants are encouraged to prepare by closely reading an article reporting Q-methodology research (see references section for a few suggestions).
Learning Objectives:
Monday: Getting started
Research purposes and topics suitable for Q methodology; theoretical foundations; design considerations: defining the sampling population, sampling, identifying participants, and data collection.
Tuesday: Getting results
Using PQMethod; analysing and interpreting results; reporting Q methodology research; additional examples, reflections on, and extensions from, class exercise.
References:
McKeown, B. F. & Thomas, D. B. (1988). Q methodology (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences series, Vol 66). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Ockwell, D. G. (2008). ‘Opening up’ policy to reflexive appraisal: A role for Q methodology? A case study of fire management in Cape York, Australia. Policy Sciences, 41, 263–292.
Schmolk, Peter & John Atkinson. 2002. PQMethod (2.11). Computer program available at http://www.lrz.de/~schmolck/qmethod/
van Eeten, M. J. G. (2001). Recasting intractable policy issues: The wider implications of the Netherlands civil aviation controversy. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 20(3), 391–414.
van Exel, N. J. A., de Graaf, G., & Brouwer, W. B. F. (2006). “Everyone dies, so you might as well have fun!” Attitudes of Dutch youths about their health lifestyle. Social Science and Medicine, 63, 2628–2639.
