Q Methodology: 66 (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences)

Q Methodology defines the distinctive set of psychometric and operational principles which, when combined with specialized statistical applications of correlation and factor-analysis techniques, provide researchers with a systematic and rigorously quantitative means for examining human subjectivity. Based on the premise that subjectivity is communicable and advanced from self-reference, the method's central concern is to ensure that self-reference is preserved and not compromised or confused by external investigation. The authors outline the appropriate principles, techniques and procedures which advance this goal, including data gathering, statistics, and small-sample behavioral research.