A Brief Introduction to Q Methodology

Citation: Yang, Y. (2016). A brief introduction to Q methodology. International Journal of Adult Vocational Education and Technology [Special Issue]: Quantitative and Mixed-Method Research, 7(2), 42-54. doi: 10.4018/IJAVET.2016040104Q methodology is a method to systematically study subjective matters such as thoughts and beliefs on any given topic. Q methodology can be used for both theory building and theory testing. The purpose of this paper was to give a brief overview of Q methodology to readers with various backgrounds. This paper discussed several advantages of Q methodology that makes it attractive to researchers and practitioners who are interested in understanding different perspectives or behavioral patterns toward any given topic, its distinct position as a methodology, and how it fits into the qualitative—mixed—quantitative continuum. The paper further used two research studies as applications to demonstrate how to perform a Q methodological study, involving the following steps: development of the Q sort statements; selection of the P set (participants); Q sorting; and analysis and interpretation of Q sorts

Examining Students’ Epistemological Views of Engineering among First Year Engineering Students

This is a complete research paper. The research interest in engineering epistemology is growing as more engineering education researchers consider that students’ beliefs about the nature of engineering is essential to how they learn, which influences their professional preparation [1]. Epistemology refers to how individuals view the nature of knowledge and knowing in a particular domain, in this case, engineering [2]

The impact of 3D, 4D, and 5D Building Information Modeling for reducing claims to service providers

In construction, claims are usually a request for additional time, cost, or quality of work. A dispute will occur If the claim is not resolved correctly. In industrial revolution 4.0, we can use the Building Information Modeling (BIM) method to increase efficiency. BIM is a digital display containing all information about building elements integrated with the building's life cycle period. BIM will accelerate and reduce risks in construction, including the impact of claims. In Indonesia, several consultants/contractors have been implemented BIM in construction projects. This research aims to determine the effect of using 3D, 4D, and 5D BIM in construction projects for reducing claims to service providers as seen from the indicators on BIM 3D, 4D, 5D BIM. The research method used is a descriptive research method with a Q-method approach using closed survey research instruments to 37 contractor/consultant respondents who use BIM. The results obtained from the 3D BIM 4 indicators affect the reduction of claims. The 4D BIM indicator has two hands that affect the decrease in claims. The 5D BIM indicators all involve reducing claims

Why Should the Q-Method be Integrated into the Design Science Research? A Systematic Mapping Study

The Q-method has been utilized over time in various areas, including information systems. In this study, we used a systematic mapping to illustrate how the Q-method was applied within Information Systems (IS) community and proposing towards integration of Q-method into the Design Sciences Research (DSR) process as a tool for future research DSR-based IS studies. In this mapping study, we collected peer-reviewed journals from Basket-of-Eight journals and the digital library of the Association for Information Systems (AIS). Then we grouped the publications according to the process of DSR, and different variables for preparing Q-method from IS publications. We found that the potential of the Q-methodology can be used to support each main research stage of DSR processes and can serve as the useful tool to evaluate a system in the IS topic of system analysis and design

A Q factor analysis approach to understanding female college students’ attitudes toward multiple STEM disciplines

Research on gender disparities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has paid little attention to the fact that not all STEM disciplines experience the same degree of gender imbalance. Previous research has primarily examined a single STEM discipline or combined STEM disciplines in their analyses. This study addressed some of the limitations of previous research using an innovative statistical approach, Q factor analysis (QFA). QFA is used to explore multifaceted human perceptions, behaviors, and experiences. It enables researchers to categorize people based on their pattern of responses and opinions on a certain topic, in contrast to the more commonly used R factor analysis that categorizes variables. QFA was applied to a sample of 98 female undergraduate students who were enrolled in introductory STEM courses. Participants competed a survey that assessed their attitudes, experiences and beliefs about math, science, and computers. Questions tapped into constructs typically used in social cognitive models of academic and career choices. Two typologies emerged from the analyses. The math-computer group had favorable attitudes and beliefs toward math and computers and less interest in science; whereas the science group had more favorable attitudes and beliefs towards science. Participants? major choice and self-reported academic support aligned with the two groups in ways that were consistent with the groups? interests. The study demonstrates the potential for QFA to be applied with various types of data on a wide range of topics and to address questions that are not easily answered using traditional statistical approaches

Multiple Ways of Seeing: Reflections on an Image-Based Q Study on Reconciliation in Colombia

Die Q-Methodologie wurde als Technik zur systematischen, relationalen und holistischen Erfassung subjektiver Standpunkte entwickelt. In diesem Beitrag diskutieren wir sie als einen vielversprechenden hybriden Ansatz und stellen methodologische Erkenntnisse aus einer online durchgeführten Q-Studie über die Bedeutung von Versöhnung in Kolumbien vor, die auf Daten von 2021 beruht. Q ist eine Methode zur Erfassung von Subjektivität, die oftmals den Anschein von Objektivität vermittelt, zumal Forschende sich nur selten explizit mit Subjektivität auseinandersetzen. Deshalb geben wir einen kurzen Überblick über unser Forschungsprojekt, stellen zentrale Ergebnisse vor und analysieren die enge Verzahnung von qualitativen und quantitativen Momenten in q-methodologischen Verfahren. Wir befassen uns mit interpretativen Bedeutungsschichten und heben dabei die Rolle von Subjektivität für zwei Phasen des Forschungsprozesses hervor: das Design der Studie (bildbasierte Q-Items) und den Interpretationsprozess (Faktorenanalyse). Obwohl die quantitativen Momente der Q-Methode eine objektive faktoranalytische Messung zu versprechen scheinen, unterstreicht unsere Erfahrung die Notwendigkeit, der (Selbst-)Reflexivität von Forschenden mehr Raum zu geben.Q methodology was created as a means to explore and map subjective viewpoints in a systematic, relational and holistic manner. In this paper, we discuss Q methodology as a promising hybrid approach and present methodological takeaways from an online Q study on the meanings of reconciliation in Colombia, based on data obtained in 2021. Q is a method of capturing subjectivity that conveys an aura of objectivity, because researchers seldom explicitly engage subjectivity We provide a brief overview of our research project, showcase some results, and offer a lens through which to reflect on the entanglement of qualitative and quantitative moments in Q methodology. We spell out its interpretive layers, highlighting the role of subjectivity in two key phases of the research: the design of the study (image-based Q items) and the interpretive process (factor analysis). Although the quantitative moments of Q are seductive in their promise of objective factor analytical measurement, we argue that Q requires researchers to practice reflexivity and to explicitly engage with their subjectivity

Administrators\u27 Capacity for Supporting Reform-Oriented Science Instruction: An Urban School District Case Study

Secondary school administrators play a vital role as instructional leaders, but little is known about their knowledge of science practices and perceptions of strategies for supporting reform-oriented science instruction. This multiphase, mixed-methods Q-Methodology study explored administrators\u27 perceptions of instructional leadership and, in particular, high-quality science instruction. After a concourse of 40 items was developed through a review of literature and an expert panel, n = 22 administrators from one urban school district completed a Q-sort and a post-sort questionnaire in which they commented on a lesson excerpt. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation was used to assimilate the participants into three factors or groups explaining 40% of the variance. A subsample (n = 14) of administrators then participated in focus groups to engage in collective sensemaking. Although administrators consistently valued positive teacher-student relationships and had high expectations for all students over other managerial duties, perceptions of how to support teachers and their ability to detect evidence-based science pedagogy (NGSS), differed. Administrators with a science background or more experience as an administrator were more familiar with some of the evidence-based instructional strategies for science included in the sample lesson. Administrators without such a background tended to emphasize general pedagogical techniques. We discuss implications for the development of school leaders with varying disciplinary backgrounds as one component of building districts\u27 capacity for high-quality science instruction

Q Methodology as a Formative Tool for Facilitating Professional Development School Partnership Development

ABSTRACT In the mid-1980s, through the work of the Holmes Group (now the Holmes Partnership) and the National Network for Educational Renewal (NNER), the term “Professional Development School” emerged as a part of the nation’s educational discourse (Brindley, Field & Lessen, 2008). The success of these PDS have been widely reported within the literature presented. However, missing from our PDS literature are studies which focus on the formative implementation and progression of the partnerships as seen through the collective perspectives of PDS stakeholders. The purpose of this study was to develop and explore a participatory process for collecting, organizing and examining educator perspectives regarding the aspect most focused on by their professional development school partnerships, at the current PDS implementation stage. In order to answer the question “What are the shared educator perspectives that emerge through the InQuiry [sic] process, regarding the aspect of PDS partnership most focused on, by their professional development school partnerships, at its current stage of implementation?”, this dissertation research brought to the PDS literature a new methodology by utilizing Q methodology in the form of the InQuiry process. From the data examined, a total of 3 significant factors were identified. These factors represented the shared perspectives of the participants who participated in the study. Also, the participants overwhelmingly expressed that participating in the InQuiry process was helpful and useful for the development and implementation of their PDS partnership

Profiles of career-aged keyboard students: Attitudes, preferences, and demographics.

This study sought to determine profiles for career-aged adult keyboard students (30-55 years) based on motivation. Perspectives concerning student attitudes and opinions regarding teacher qualities and traits, preferred keyboard activities, and demographic variables were correlated to the initial typal profiles.The first phase of research involved requesting information on why adult students chose to enroll in keyboard lessons at that point in their lives. Sixty-two participants from 12 member community music schools of the National Guild of Community Music Schools of the Arts (NGCMSA) took part in this phase of the study. The 266 responses to the open ended question (concourse of statements) were analyzed. Eight hypothetical categories were determined and the statements were reduced to 64 (eight statements for each category). A distribution matrix with 64 boxes was created, ranging from "Least Agree" to "Most Agree." The second phase of the study recruited 20 participants from teachers of the North Carolina Music Teacher's Association to rank the statements according to their own motivations. The third phase, involving a revised questionnaire and Q-sort, was administered to 49 career-aged adult keyboard students of schools of the NGCSA. The Q-methodology analysis indicated at least three typal profiles. Discriminant casewise analysis indicated that 10 variables, taken together, could predict membership in each of the three profiles with 100% accuracy.Correlations between the Q-factors (motivational groupings) and the questionnaire contributed to the resultant three profiles. The Serious Amateur, the largest cohort, was motivated most by repertoire and skill acquisition. Other traits of this group included the enjoyment of public performance, the most prior keyboard training, minor interest in playing games during the lesson, a desire for more discussion in lessons, and enjoyment of duets and ensemble music with other students. The Late Bloomer participants generally shared a longtime desire to learn to play the piano. Additionally, this group had the least amount of prior keyboard training and little desire to make music with other students. The third profile, the Amicable Amateur, was motivated in the potential mental and physical benefits. This group desired a teacher who was friendly, flexible, and who demonstrated concepts

Why e-government projects fail: main antecedents of the non-adoption of electronic health records in Germany according to stakeholder perceptions

The Electronic Health Record in Germany was introduced in January 2021 and offers the integrated use of the application across sectors and institutions. However, two years after this introduction, less than 1% of the German population has applied for such a record with their health insurance provider. This is despite evident support of medical professionals as well as the society at large. To explain this non-adoption in particular and e-government non-adoption in general, the main goal of this thesis is the synthesis of the main antecedents of e-government non-adoption by investigating the perceptions of its main stakeholders: political stakeholders, medical professionals and citizens. Building on the assumption that non-adoption is not simply the opposite of adoption, and that perceptions of stakeholders play a crucial role in the engagement with e-government, this study is set in an interpretive, single case study. Moreover, the research conducted in this thesis employs Q-methodology, a mixed-methods approach that allows for the study of subjective experiences, and therefore perceptions. Analyzing the data from 29 participants (4 political stakeholders, 9 medical professionals and 16 citizens), this study found four main antecedents of non-adoption: communication, trust, design and attitude. These can be considered a starting point for more research focused explicitly on non-adoption and give valuable insights for practitioners