ABSTRACT
More than 80 years ago, William Stephenson created Q methodology [Q] as a scientific way to measure subjectivity. Although some researchers have used Q's use of factor analysis to frame it as a quantitative research methodology, others have used Q's focus on measuring and describing subjective viewpoints to identify it as a qualitative research methodology. Thus, specialized software is necessary to address the mixed analysis within Q. After the sorts have been entered into the specialized software, they are factor analyzed to group people with similar views, each type of view represented by a factor. However, as part of this inherently mixed analysis stage, the process of factor rotation and interpretation is one of exploration of descriptive results presented in these tables and participant dialogue provided post-sorting. Factor interpretation was based upon the factor arrays, distinguishing statements, participants’ written comments, and the factor extraction and rotation preferences that the participants provided.
