Statistical Methodology: VII. Q‐Methodology, a Structural Analytic Approach to Medical Subjectivity

Abstract

Abstract. Q-methodology is a relatively unknown tool to medical researchers, that uses a mixed quantitativdqualitative statistical technique known as by-person factor analysis to study subjectivity. Q-methodology allows the grouping of individuals according to their subjective feelings about a topic, without requiring preconceived ideas regarding the structure of those subjective feelings. Q-methodology is demonstrated using a study in which attitudes of emergency medicine residents toward computer education are explored systematically and classified in terms of statistically distinct factor viewpoints. In this example, Q-methodology identifies 4 attitude groups, as related to computers and computer education: 1) interested, eager to learn; 2) frustrated and interested, but with reservations; 3) interested mainly in benefits, willing to expend minimal effort; and 4) knowledgeable, independent learner. Q-methodology can be used to determine the structure of attitudes on a subjective topic, often yielding new insights.

Understanding Expectations of Different User Groups of a Sophisticated Fall Detection System

“…This methodology, on the basis of many factors, can identify attitude groups by quantifying data that is hardly measurable otherwise [1,2,3,4,5]. Q methodology works with all previously collected factors, which affect the judgment of CARE, such as cultural and social factors or subjective feelings [1,3]. The first step of Q methodology was the formulation of 34 relevant statements related to the use of CARE.…”

“…Consequently, the statements may have different consequences [3]. The factors influencing the expectations are very hard to measure, especially in CARE, as it is a system used in health care where the role of individual differences is great and therefore the decision to be made, the behavior/reaction are not so clearcut [1]. All statements were grouped into topics with different ethical issues such as autonomy, justice, affordability.…”

“…Most studies aim to identify groups of users with Q methodology, however, CARE's aim was to gain information on the expectations of the user groups: elderly/cared (end users), caregiver staff and service providers [1,2,3,8]. The representatives of the three user groups were family members (or guardians) from the end user side and caregiver staff and managers from the service provider side.…”

“…The evaluation cannot contradict with needs, expectations or the basic ethical considerations of participants. This study aims to introduce an approach for collecting user expectations with Q methodology in Safe Private Home for Elderly Persons (CARE) 1 , which is a new development in ambient assisted living. CARE is a sophisticated fall detection system used in elderly homes.…”

Views of second year nursing students on impediments to safety in the clinical setting: Q-methodology

“…Q-methodology is described in the nursing literature [30,34,35] . This method was used to differentiate categories of healthcare students to assist with curriculum development [36] . Also, it was used to describe nursing faculty's viewpoints about collaborative baccalaureate education [37] .…”