Innovative Qualitative Methods: Introduction to Q Methodology

Bookings for this module open on THURSDAY, 11 DECEMBER at 10:00 am
For more information see: http://www.ssrmc.group.cam.ac.uk/ssrmc-modules/core/making/windows

This module is part of the Social Science Research Methods Centre training programme which is a shared platform for providing research students with a broad range of quantitative and qualitative research methods skills that are relevant across the social sciences.

Identifying the distinct perspectives and attitudes on topics of public concern are important research objectives across the social sciences. Q is a clearly structured, systematic, and increasingly used approach for this purpose. It is aimed at exploring the subjectivity of people within a group in order to address practical matters such as acceptance of new policies or technology, increasing public participation, or aiding decision-making.

Q is a semi-qualitative methodology and the data are statistically analysed using data reduction methods to discern the existing patterns of communication and thought about a subject.

This course provides students with an introduction and the necessary resources to implement a Q method project independently: the research design, the data collection, the analytical process, criteria for research decisions, interpretation of results, software, and further resources.

• Mphil and PhD students from participating departments taking the Social Science Research Methods Centre training programme as part of their research degree

• Familiarity with factor or principal components analysis and with R are useful but not essential

• Session 1: Q method: Introduction and research design
• Session 2: Q method: Analysis and interpretation

Presentations, demonstrations and practicals

R

• McKeown & Thomas (2013) Q methodology (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences series, Vol. 66). London: Sage.
• Watts & Stenner (2012) Doing Q Methodological Research: Theory, Method and Interpretation. London: Sage.

• To gain maximum benefits from the course it is important that students do not see this course in isolation from the other MPhil courses or research training they are taking.
• Responsibility lies with each student to consider the potential for their own research using methods common in fields of the social sciences that may seem remote. Ideally this task will be facilitated by integration of the SSRMC with discipline-specific courses in their departments and through reading and discussion.

Two sessions of two hours each.

Once a week for two weeks.