Illuminating insights into subjectivity: Q as a methodology in applied linguistics research

Abstract

Applied linguistics (AL) is a broad field of study that often concerns subjective domains such as beliefs, opinions, perspectives, values and emotions. Q methodology (Q), a mixed methods approach to phenomenological and typological inquiry, is specifically designed to help researchers better understand individuals’ subjective viewpoints. Although Q has existed for eight decades, it rarely intersects with language-related research. This article offers AL researchers an overview of Q and examples of its application. The overview covers itsbrief history and underlying theoretical concepts. The application is illustrated using a case exemplar that investigates language learners’ perspectives regarding enjoyment in online learning. The advantages and limitations of Q are also discussed. There is plenty of room for AL researchers to advance Q, both as a standalone methodology and as an accompaniment to other methods.

Engineering students’ challenges and coping strategies in English-medium instruction: a Q methodology study

“…The current study uses Q-a mixed-methods approach that enables the analysis of an individual's subjective experience and perspective (Stephenson, 1953) Thumvichit, 2022aThumvichit, , 2022bThumvichit, , 2023, the research design encompassed ve key steps: developing the Q sample; obtaining the P sample; Q sorting and post-sort interviews; data analysis; and interpretation. Each of these steps is elaborated upon in the subsequent sections.…”

“…Once a formal approval was obtained from the institutional ethics review committee, an electronic recruitment poster was created and shared on various social media platforms. Current and former students were recruited for this study, as both are likely to have divergent and clear viewpoints on the topic (Thumvichit, 2022a). The P sample for this study consisted of 47 participants with diverse demographic backgrounds (see Table 1).…”

“…Third, existing research on students' experiences on EMI programs has relied largely on the ndings from Likert-type questionnaires and interviews. This study adopts Q methodology (hereafter Q)-an innovative but less common approach-especially in applied linguistics (Thumvichit, 2022a). Q intertwines the robustness of rigorous data collection and statistical analysis of quantitative research with the exploratory nature and in-depth analysis inherent in qualitative research (ten Klooster et al, 2008).…”