9. Q methodology
Rather than combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, Q methodology represents an approach that has characteristics of both. A series of representative statements are produced from the sum of literature and evidence of the phenomenon under investigation. Participants are then asked to sort these onto a grid, as shown here, from those they strongly agree with to those they strongly disagree with. Factor analysis enables the similarities and differences between the sort patterns of different participants to be quantified and for groupings of participants to emerge. In this way the various positions that participants take in relation to the phenomenon can be uncovered and the researcher can report on the similarities and differences seen.
Its strengths include an ability to explore feelings, opinions, and ideas towards a phenomenon in a analytical way and where the subjectivity of the researcher is reduced. It is also a highly participatory method. However, whilst Q methodology is useful in generating hypotheses, the fact that it uses small sample sizes means that the generalisability of findings may be reduced.