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Statistical Methodology: VII. Q‐Methodology, a Structural Analytic Approach to Medical Subjectivity
Author(s) -
Barbosa Joilo C.,
Willoughby Paula,
Rosenberg Craig A.,
Mrtek Robert G.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
academic emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.221
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1553-2712
pISSN - 1069-6563
DOI - 10.1111/j.1553-2712.1998.tb02786.x
Subject(s) - viewpoints , subjectivity , feeling , qualitative research , statistical analysis , medicine , computer science , medical education , social psychology , epistemology , psychology , sociology , statistics , social science , mathematics , art , philosophy , visual arts
. Q‐methodology is a relatively unknown tool to medical researchers, that uses a mixed quantitative/qualitative statistical technique known as by‐person factor analysis to study subjectivity. Q‐methodology allows the grouping of individuals according to their subjective feelings about a topic, without requiring preconceived ideas regarding the structure of those subjective feelings. Q‐methodology is demonstrated using a study in which attitudes of emergency medicine residents toward computer education are explored systematically and classified in terms of statistically distinct factor viewpoints. In this example, Q‐methodology identifies 4 attitude groups, as related to computers and computer education: 1) interested, eager to learn; 2) frustrated and interested, but with reservations; 3) interested mainly in benefits, willing to expend minimal effort; and 4) knowledgeable, independent learner. Q‐methodology can be used to determine the structure of attitudes on a subjective topic, often yielding new insights.