Rhoads, James C. & Kristenne M. Robison (2018). Q methodology and exploring popular culture in a sociology classroom. SAGE Research Methods Cases – Sociology [online]. London: Sage. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781526455833
Abstract: Q methodology, innovated by the physicist/psychologist William Stephenson, is a set of theories and techniques that permit the scientific study of subjectivity. Subjectivity is the communication of one’s point of view and is, as such, behavior. Q methodology provides the tools with which to study and analyze this behavior. In this research-methods case, readers are introduced to the principles and steps involved in carrying out a study using Q methodology, as well as a case study that uses Q to explore the structure of opinion of sociology students with regard to sociological issues presented in a feature film.
James C Rhoads <jrhoads@westminster.edu> and Kristenne M Robison <robisokm@westminster.edu> are in the Departments of Political Science and Sociology & Criminal Justice Studies, respectively, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA (USA).