Q Methodology: Mapping Shared Viewpoints

In this talk, I introduce Q methodology as a flexible approach for studying people’s viewpoints. Q combines a structured data-collection technique (Q sorting), by-person factor analysis, and a conceptual framework to enable a systematic study of subjectivity. It fits complex and contested questions across disciplines and supports theory building, stakeholder mapping, and policy or design decisions. For doctoral projects, Q bridges qualitative and quantitative traditions, producing defensible, interpretable typologies of shared views with consensus and distinguishing statements. It works well alongside interviews for depth and follow-up surveys for prevalence, yielding actionable narratives grounded in participants’ own reasoning.