Introduction to Q Methodology – Part 1


You are cordially invited to join the “Introduction to Q Methodology” workshop series organised by the Educational Research SIG of the Teaching and Learning Community of Practice (T&L CoP). This workshop series is a trial of the scaffolded workshop model, which consists of pre-workshop reading activities, main workshop and post-workshop group consultations.

Q methodology integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine participants’ subjective experiences and viewpoints. The term “Q” is derived from a specific type of factor analysis. Unlike traditional methods that seek correlations among variables, Q methodology focuses on finding correlations among subjects. Specifically, participants will be asked to rank a series of Q set statements that express opinions or beliefs on a particular topic (Millar et al., 2022).

Part 1
The first workshop, led by Dr Xinran Wu, will cover the fundamentals of Q, from its origins to its key features. Stress will be placed on the epistemological and methodological tenets of Q, as well as on the four key stages of a Q study. The session will conclude with a discussion regarding the research questions that Q is suitable to answer and some practical suggestions for preparing your own Q study.

Abstract: The Q methodology workshops are led by two experts, Dr Xinran Wu and Dr Nicola Morea. The two workshops will explore the principles and applications of Q Methodology (Q), providing participants with an understanding of Q, as well as with hands-on experience on analysing and interpreting Q data.

After the workshop, participants will be able to make a more informed decision on the suitability of Q for their research. The workshop will also provide participants with a solid foundation to understand and critically evaluate Q research, as well as to apply Q methodology in real-world research.

Speaker: Dr Xinran Wu, Assistant Professor in English Language and Literature, Xiamen University, China

Date & Time: [Pre-workshop reading group] 15 October 2024 (Tuesday) 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm (HKT)
[Main workshop] 16 October 2024 (Wednesday) 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm (HKT)
[Post-workshop group consultation] 17 October 2024 (Thursday) 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm (HKT)

Venue: Online via Zoom

Target Audience: CUHK Academic staff

Registration: https://cuhk.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a3MVNrv8ddP6NsW (Participants are welcome to register for the sessions that best fit their schedule and interests. Attending all sessions is not mandatory.)

Please click here for the event poster.

For enquiries, please contact Ms Vienne Lin (viennelin@cuhk.edu.hk) or Ms Vanessa Kiu (vanessakiu@cuhk.edu.hk).