Doing Q Methodological Research: Theory, Method & Interpretation

Perfect orientation for starting with Q Methodology. Recommended for all Q Method beginers

This book explains the method really well. This type of research makes it possible to quantify world views and determine why people make the decision that they make.

I'm currently a PhD student using Q Methodology in my research, and as such have read many papers and a few books on the topic, but found this book to be the easiest to read, very well grounded in both theory and application examples, and an overall brilliant guide for budding Q practitioners.The book does a great job of describing the various approaches that Q can be applied and provides a very good detailed breakdown of the output from PQMethod (the gold standard software for analysing Q studies). The chapters were long enough to provide a very good overview without being overwhelming. If the reader also reads the seminal book, Political Subjectivity (Brown 1980) then I believe they'll have a very robust understanding of how to prepare a Q study, conduct the research, and analyse the results (with both eyes open - not relying on any 'black boxes')I highly recommend this book for anybody wanting to learn about Q Methodology, and have already ordered a copy for my University's library

I've finally made it through this introductory text on Q. As some of the reviews indicate, this text is more focused on Q as a method rather than a methodology. While that is disappointing, I know many new to Q like this text because of its perhaps simpler approach to introducing Q than other, denser texts such as Stephenson's Study of Behaviour or Brown's Political Subjectivity (which is available as a PDF for free on [...]). Still, there is at least something lacking in this text... enough to leave me at least a tad disappointed. Some of the coverage is oversimplified and other statements are in direct conflict with the words of Q's creator William Stephenson. If you select this text please make sure you read more about Q whether it is the McKeown and Thomas updated (2013) Q Methodology, articles in Operant Subjectivity, or other Q methodology articles by sages including Steve Brown.

Not since McKeown and Thomas's book has a text so clearly addressed Q methodology. Its clear and lucid language makes it accessible and easy to implement. A great contribution to the research community.

This is a must buy for anyone interested or involved in Q Method research. As a robust survey method, Q is strongly encouraged for research on subjectivity. This book will guide the novice through their first investigation, or reinforce the expert's knowledge of the method. Social science researchers need to be looking at Q in their research, and this book is an excellent way to introduce it.

This text is a MUST HAVE for anyone working with Q Methodology. Watts & Stenner provide a crystal clear account of the process and products of using Q and also help make sense of some of the many technical issues involved in analysis. I found their explanations invaluable in understanding much better how to use PQMethod for example - the instructions with that programme, whilst sufficient, do need to be unpacked, and W & S do that well. A full 10/10 for this text, and the signposting to other important papers/texts is also invaluable. Well done!!Steve H

Interesting read

This book does an excellent job is setting out how Q Method is different from the traditional research approaches. It takes the reader through the process and is ideal for those starting to use this method.

This is written in a very accessible style and contains all that you need to know to be able to use Q methodology at doctorate level.

It was essential for my Doctorate. The best book on this subject, with very practical guidance on 'how to do Q Sort'.