Connecting Q & Surveys: Three Methods to Explore Factor Membership in Large Samples

Abstract

Q methodology has been employed to great effect in studies addressing
questions which are qualitative in nature. Techniques associated with Q
methodology can also be used to explore quantitative research
questions. Where a number of shared accounts around a particular topic
have been identified and described using Q methods, it may also be of
interest to examine the extent and distribution of those views. Such
quantitative questions can be explored using Q-survey methods. In this
paper we describe a range of approaches to such Q surveys and identify
areas of future methodological development and research.