sbrownkentedu Article, Publication

Watts and Stenner on reintroducing Q methodology to psychology

Watts, Simon and Paul Stenner (in press). Q methodology: The inverted factor technique. Irish Journal of Psychology.

Abstract: This paper aims to re-establish the legitimacy of the inverted factor technique in psychology, to provide details of appropriate data collection and analytic processes, and to highlight some possible applications of the method. The inverted (or by-person) factor technique had traditionally been applied to the same matrix of data that supported more conventional (by-item) factor analyses. But this is statistically problematic. In fact, the same data matrix can properly be inverted or transposed (and thus factor analyzed by both row and column) only when a single measuring unit is present throughout the matrix. This condition is rarely satisfied. As a consequence, the inverted technique all but disappeared from psychology. This paper will nonetheless demonstrate, by detailed reference to William Stephenson�s �Q methodology�, that inverted or by-person factor analyses are both viable and statistically legitimate as long as a different (and specialist) matrix of data is collected and analyzed. It is hoped that psychologists will now be encouraged to explore the potential of the inverted technique.

Simon Watts is at Nottingham Trent University and Paul Stenner is at the University of Brighton.

sbrownkentedu Article, Publication

Askay et al. on distress among burn survivors

Askay, S.W., Stricklin, M., Carrougher, G.J., Patterson, D.R., Klein, M.B., Esselman, P.C., & Engrav, L.H. (2008, December 3). Using Q methodology to identify reasons for distress in burn survivors postdischarge. Journal of Burn Care Research (Epublication ahead of print, available http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1906073/)

Abstract: Reasons for distress after burn injuries have not been codified based on any type of acceptable empirical or statistical technique. The unique design methodology proposed in this study can identify the most common reasons cited for causing distress in burn survivors after discharge. A Q-sort task was developed with the assistance of our burn advisory group. After identifying 50 possible reasons for distress after discharge, each reason was placed on a laminated game card. In compliance with Q methodology, a game board was developed that allowed patients to rank order each reason from “not causing distress” to “causing significant distress.” A total of 69 burn survivors were enrolled in the study at four different time points: 1 month, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years postdischarge. After factor analysis, four factors accounted for all of the participants across time points. This indicates that at least four distinct groups of people can be categorized according to themes raised in rating reasons for distress. This Q-sort technique allowed us to capture the complexity of conceptualizing human distress by categorizing clusters of reported problems into similar groups. This methodology shows great promise for developing interventions that target unique needs of burn survivors.

The authors are variously associated with the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; the Federal University of Piaui, Brazil; and the Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.

sbrownkentedu Article, Publication

Gregg et al. on substance abuse in schizophrenia

Gregg, Lynsey, Gillian Haddock, & Christine Barrowclough (2009 February). Self-reported reasons for substance use in schizophrenia: A Q methodological investigation. Mental Health and Substance Use: Dual Diagnosis, 2(1), 24-39.

Abstract: Large numbers of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia use drugs and alcohol, resulting in poorer symptomatic and functional outcomes for many. Aims: To examine the reasons that people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia give for their own alcohol and drug use. Method: Q methodology was used to examine reasons for use. Forty-five people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and comorbid substance misuse completed the sorting procedure. Results: Analysis of the Q Sorts revealed three distinct groups of substance users: (1) those who predominantly used for social and enhancement reasons, to �chill out and have a good time with others:� (2) those who used to regulate negative affect and alleviate positive symptoms, to �cope with distressing emotions and symptoms:� (3) those who used substances to augment themselves and intensify their experiences, to �feel bigger, better and inspired.� Conclusion: People with a diagnosis of schizophrenia who use substances explain their substance use in different ways. The identification of subgroups of users may be useful in the development of interventions aimed at reducing substance use in this group.

Lynsey Gregg and co-authors are in the Division of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK.