Q-Methodology

Q-Methodology is a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative factor analysis with qualitative interpretation to identify distinct perspectives, viewpoints, or 'factors' shared by groups of people. Introduced by William Stephenson in 1935, it uses Q-sorts—where participants rank statements on a continuum—to measure subjective viewpoints systematically. The method applies factor analysis to correlations among Q-sorts (not items), revealing common patterns of opinion or attitude that transcend individual differences.