Q-Methodological Approach Research Articles

Stakeholders’ views of online surveillance capabilities: a comparative analysis of the debates in UK, Finland and Norway

We examine how stakeholders (n = 74) in the United Kingdom, Finland and Norway perceive security authorities’ online surveillance capabilities, and how these perceptions form patterns transcending national borders and organisational boundaries. Using a Q-methodological approach, we found variation within and between nations that is usually obscured in the polarised public debates. Furthermore, our stakeholders presented areas of consensus not usually apparent in public discourses. We argue for using awareness of this nuance and areas of convergence as platforms on which to build more effective public debates to further principles of deliberative democracy.

Perceptions of Healthcare Safety Nets among Tertiary Hospital and Long-Term Care Hospital Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Q-Methodological Approach.

This study was conducted to identify the types of perceptions toward healthcare safety nets. This study applied a Q-methodology. From a Q-population of 91 samples that included a review of the related literature and interviews with five tertiary hospital nurses and five long-term care (LTC) hospital nurses, 33 Q-samples were selected. The data were analyzed with the PC-QUANL program. We recruited 32 nurses in a tertiary hospital and 33 nurses in an LTC hospital. The perceptions of the healthcare safety net of tertiary hospital nurses were categorized into four types: (1) systematic system request; (2) realistic work support; (3) government support; and (4) emotional support. The perceived subjectivity of the healthcare safety net of LTC hospital nurses were categorized into four types: (1) reward system and facility environmental support; (2) realistic work support; (3) social prevention infrastructure support; and (4) government support. This study provides basic data for these different hospital settings, as well as to inform future government policy and system improvements in an era characterized by infectious diseases. Specifically, this study presents the types of perceptions of healthcare safety nets of nurses in two hospital settings that deliver care for patients.

감염병 위기 상황에 대한 항공서비스 전공 대학생의 주관적 인식 유형 분석: Q-방법론적 접근

감염병 위기 상황에 대한 항공서비스 전공 대학생의 주관적 인식 유형 분석: Q-방법론적 접근

Exploring attitudes of healthcare professionals towards those with fibromyalgia: A Q-methodological approach.

Fibromyalgia remains a difficult condition to diagnose and treat. Research suggests that this leads to frustrating experiences for service users and healthcare professionals. This has led to negative healthcare professional attitudes towards working with those with fibromyalgia. The research to date reports negative attitudes and predominantly investigates attitudes of primary care physicians. This study explores the attitudes of a range of healthcare professionals towards those diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Using Q-methodology, 27 healthcare professionals completed a sorting task and questionnaire to prioritise statements relating to a range of different attitudes towards service users. All participants significantly loaded onto three factors that explained a total of 64% of the data variance. Factor 1 reflected the attitude 'Service users with fibromyalgia are no different to other service users and I enjoy working with them'. Factor 2 reflected the attitude 'Service users with fibromyalgia are inaccurate informants of their own condition due to lack of understanding of their condition and are not likely to engage in treatments'. Factor 3 reflected the attitude 'Service users with fibromyalgia are trustworthy with a lot of clinical problems [but I lack confidence in specialist skills to support them]'. Contrary to the current literature, there appears to be supportive attitudes from healthcare professionals towards service users diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Increased specialised training, clinical exposure to working with fibromyalgia and reflective practice spaces were identified as elements that could improve healthcare professional attitudes.

A study on caring types of early childhood teacher: Q-methodological approach

A study on caring types of early childhood teacher: Q-methodological approach

Exploring the psychological and religious perspectives of cancer patients and their future financial planning: a Q-methodological approach

BackgroundCancer patients are often hesitant to talk about their mental health, religious beliefs regarding the disease, and financial issues that drain them physically and psychologically. But there is a need to break this taboo to understand the perceptions and behaviours of the patients. Previous studies identified many psychological factors that are bothering cancer patients. However, it still requires exploring new elements affecting their mental and physical health and introducing new coping strategies to address patients’ concerns.MethodsThe current study aims to identify cancer patients’ perceived attitudes towards the severity of illness, understand their fears, tend towards religion to overcome the disease, and future financial planning by using a Q-methodological approach. Data were collected in three steps from January-June 2020, and 51 cancer patients participated in the final stage of Q-sorting.ResultsThe findings of the study are based on the principal component factor analysis that highlighted three essential factors: (1) feelings, (2) religious beliefs about the acceptance of death, and (3) their future personal and financial planning. Further, the analysis shows that the patients differ in their beliefs, causes and support that they received as a coping mechanism.ConclusionThis study explains cancer patients’ psychological discomfort and physical pain but cannot relate it to co-morbidities. Q methodology allows the contextualization of their thoughts and future planning in different sets, like acceptance of death, combating religion’s help, and sharing experiences through various platforms. This study will help health professionals derive new coping strategies for treating patients and financial managers to design insurance policies that help them to share their financial burdens.

A Study on Calling Types of Early Childhood Teacher: Q-methodological Approach

목적 본 연구는 Q방법론을 적용하여 유아교사가 인식하는 소명의식의 유형과 각 유형별 특성을 분석하였다. 방법 이를 위해 먼저 문헌분석과 유아교사 22명을 대상으로 심층면접을 실시하여 총 55개의 진술문을 추출하였다. 이후 유아교사 7명을 대상으로 Q분류 2회와 전문가 협의 및 검토를 통해 최종 33개의 Q표본을 선정하였다. Q표본을 바탕으로 유아교사 41명의 P표본에게 Q분류를 하게 하였다. Q분류 결과는 PASW 20.0을 이용하여 요인분석을 실시하였다. 결과 유아교사가 인식하는 소명의식 유형은 4가지 유형으로 추출되었다. 유형1은 “유아중심 실천형”으로 유아 중심의 배려와 사랑을 실천하는 것을 소명의식이라고 인식하는 것으로 다수의 유아교사가 이 유형에 해당하였다. 유형2는 “책임감을 중시하는 자기성찰형”으로 소명의식을 교사라는 직업에 책임감을 가지고 정체성을 확립해가는 것으로 인식하고 있었다. 유형3은 “천직으로 여기는 실존형”으로 유아교사직을 천직으로 여기며 일과 자신의 존재를 연결하고 있었다. 마지막 유형4는 “긍정적 기여를 통한 사회적 역할형”으로 교직을 통해 사회의 안녕에 기여하고자 하는 의식이 높게 나타났다. 결론 결과를 기초로 유아교사의 소명의식 유형별 특성과 각 유형에 따른 소명의식을 실천하기 위한 실제적인 방안에 대해 논의하였다.

Typological Analysis on Jaycustomer Behavior Perceived by Hotel Employees: Focusing on Q-Methodological Approach

Purpose - This research examined the types of subjective perceptions that hotel employees have regarding jaycustomer behavior by using Q-methodology. Design/Methodology/Approach - 27 Q-statements were extracted from in-depth interviews with staffs working in five-star hotels as well as prior research. In addition, 30 hotel employees were selected as the P-sample and they carried out Q-sorting. The classified data were then analyzed using the Ken-Q analysis program. Findings - The results showed that the types of perceptions were divided into three types: ‘physical injury and facility damage’, ‘physical injury and verbal violence’ and ‘physical injury and attempts of physical contact’. It was found that the statement of ‘to injure the employee’s body or face’ was most agreeable in all three types as the same. This study applied Q-methodology that a new method of data analysis to explore human perspectives. Research Implications - The findings will be used as basic data for effective human resource management and business strategy establishment.

Differing viewpoints around healthcare professions' education research priorities: A Q-methodology approach.

Recently, due to scarce resources and the need to provide an evidence-base for healthcare professions' education (HPE), HPE research centres internationally have turned to identifying priorities for their research efforts. Engaging a range of stakeholders in research priority setting exercises has been posited as one way to address the issues around reducing researcher bias and increasing social accountability. However, assigning individuals to single a priori stakeholder groups is complex, with previous research overlooking cross-category membership and agreement between individuals across groups. Further, analyses have pitched stakeholder groups against one another in an attempt to understand who prioritises what, and often fails to grasp rationales underlying priorities. A deeper understanding of who prioritises what research areas and why is required to consider applicability of results across contexts and deepen social accountability and transferability. A web-based Q-methodological approach with n=91 participants (who) from ten pre-classified stakeholder groups was employed with post-sort interviews (why). Sixty-seven Q-set items (Chinese/English languages) were developed from previous research (what). Participants were mainly from Taiwan, although international researchers were included. Q-sorting was undertakenin groups or individually, followed by post-sort interviews. Eighty-six participants' Q-sorts were included in the final analysis. Intercorrelations among Q-sorts were factor-analysed (Centroid method) and rotated analytically (Varimax method). Interviews were thematically analysed. Six Viewpoints with eigenvalues exceeding 1 were identified (range = 3.55-10.34; 42% total variance; 35/67 topics), mapping high/low priorities for research foci: Workplace teaching and learning; Patient dignity and healthcare safety; Professionalism and healthcare professionals' development; Medical ethics and moral development; Healthcare professionals' retention and success; Preparing for clinical practice. Eighteen rationales for prioritisation were identified: impact, organisational culture and deficit of educators/practitioners were most highly cited. Each Viewpoint, held by multiple stakeholders, comprised a unique set of topic-groupings, target study participants, beneficiaries and rationales. The two most prolific Viewpoints represent how different stakeholder groups highlight key complementary perspectives of healthcare professions' education in the workplace (efficacy of teaching/learning practices, application of knowledge/values). By illuminating the detail around each Viewpoint, and presenting an holistic description of the who-what-why in research priority setting, others wishing to undertake such an exercise can more easily identify how stakeholder Viewpoints and their epistemic beliefs can help shape healthcare professions' research agendas more generally.

A Theoretically Inspired Q-Methodological Approach for the Evaluation of Public Participation in Environmental Impact Assessment

A Theoretically Inspired Q-Methodological Approach for the Evaluation of Public Participation in Environmental Impact Assessment

초등교사의 지속가능발전교육에 대한 인식 유형 : Q방법론적 접근

초등교사의 지속가능발전교육에 대한 인식 유형 : Q방법론적 접근

A Theoretically Inspired Q-Methodological Approach for the Evaluation of Public Participation in Environmental Impact Assessment

This article demonstrates the use of a theoretically inspired Q-methodological approach to explore and analyse stakeholders’ perspectives of their public participation experience in environmental impact assessment (EIA). Q methodology is a qualitative and quantitative approach designed to explore the breadth of social perspectives on a topic. Two evaluation themes explore the procedure and the skills and capacities necessary for participation. Each theme is elaborated through selected theoretical notions drawn from planning, socio-political, and human development literatures. The methodology was applied to two EIA case studies in South Africa and a selection of consent authorities. The findings indicate a range of participation experiences in the cases which highlight and contextualise procedural and capacity constraints in the South African practice. The research also demonstrates that a theoretically inspired Q-methodological approach can be a flexible, contextually appropriate and expedient research tool for public participation evaluation in environmental planning and monitoring practices.

Q-Methodological Approach to the Perception of Meridian Massage for HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Purpose: Modern society, according to the change of social demand due to the improvement of living stand-ards, the rapid increase of aging population and healthy life extension comes to have a high interest in health promotion from the perspective of prevention as well as disease treatment. This study conducted a subjectivity study on the subjects of workers in the skin care industry who performed meridian massage on the field. Method: To analyze the perception, attitude, use, and satisfaction of the skin care industry workers about me-ridian massage, after the survey of 30 people sampled with P-sample was completed, the collected data were coded according to the location on the Q-sample distribution map. The input data was analyzed using the QUNAL-PC program, and for factor analysis, principle component factor analysis was used. And among the re-sults calculated by inputting the number of factors variously based on the Eigen value of 1.0 or higher, three types judged to be the best were selected and examined with Z-score. Results: Three types were extracted from the results of analysis. Type I was categorized as subjectivity of high experienced people with more than 20 years of experience and a strong positive perception on the natural heal-ing effect and health intervention function of meridian massage. Type II was categorized as subjectivity of low experienced people with less than 10 years of experience, and a subjective perception that was sensitive to the trends in the skin care industry. Type III was categorized as subjectivity of middle experienced workers with experi-ence between more than 10 years and less than 20 years and a strong positive subjectivity for the pain relief ef-fect of meridian massage. Conclusion: Therefore, this study is meaningful in that it explored the subjective meaning of the workers in the skin care industry for meridian massage, grasped the intrinsic reasons, and derived a general view of meridian massage.

영화 <변호인>의 수용자 유형에 관한 일고찰: Q 방법론적 접근

영화 <변호인>의 수용자 유형에 관한 일고찰: Q 방법론적 접근

Mothers' Experiences of Caring for Children with Precocious Puberty: A Q-Methodological Approach

This study explored experiences of mothers caring for children with precocious puberty. Q-methodology was used for analyzing individual subjectivity. Seventy Q-statements were selected and scored by 50 participants on an 11-point scale. The collected data were analyzed using the PC QUANL program. The following eight types of care experiences of mothers of children with precocious puberty were identified: Type I-1: hypersensitive and best-result oriented, Type I-2: treatment burden, Type II-1: treatment-oriented, Type II-2: self-blame, Type III-1: accepting and compliant, Type III-2: treatment confused, Type IV-1: serious and engaged, and Type IV-2: naturalism-oriented. These results can help develop specific education programs based on types of care experiences for the promotion of care among mothers of children with precocious puberty.

Q-Methodology Evaluation of a European Health Data Analytic End User Framework

Abstract Background MIDAS (Meaningful Integration of Data Analytics and Services) project is developing a big data platform to use a wide range of health and social care data to support better policy making. As part of the project evaluation, we have used Q-methodology, a well established approach, to understand the perspectives of the individual participants on their needs and how the MIDAS system is meeting them, at its current stage of development. Methods We defined a concourse of 36 statements relevant to project implementation and goals, by working from a logic model for the evaluation, and structured interviews with project participants. This was delivered online to participants. Analyses were done in the qmethod package. The first q-sort was done at 14 months into the project. Results 16 people took part, 6 developers, 5 managers, 2 health professionals and 3 others. Three factors were identified in the data. These were tentatively labelled ‘Technical optimism’, ‘End-user focus’ and ‘End-user optimism’. These loaded well onto individuals, and there were few consensus statements. There were significant differences in perspectives between different groups of participants. In particular, two of the developers held opposite perspectives to most other participants on the third perspective identified. This was drawn to the attention of the participants, and a more intensive process of communication was set-up, seeking to reduce the divergence. Conclusions A Q-methodological approach to evaluating the implementation of a large and complex health ICT system showed considerable divergence between the perspectives of users, developers, and managers. Such divergences can lead to project failure. Q-methodology is a valuable tool has seldom been used in public health research. Keywords: Q-Methodology, Public Health, Data Analytics, Decision Support.

What are the Qualities of Good Citizenship in Post-genocide Rwanda? High School Teachers Speak Through a Q-Methodological Approach

Teachers play a crucial role in the political socialization of adolescents. Using Q-Methodology, we explored high school teachers’ conceptions of good citizenship in post-genocide Rwanda. Teachers ranked 50 statements, describing a ‘good citizen’, on a 9-column grid, anchored by ‘least important citizenship behaviour’ and ‘most important citizenship behaviour’. The four perspectives that emerged viewed good citizenship as (a) being mindful or considerate of the 1994 genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi and promoting unity as well as reconciliation among Rwandans; (b) being morally upright and demonstrating a strong sense of patriotism; (c) being politically enthusiastic; and (d) promoting justice. The study argues for a shift towards more critical forms of citizenship. It also advocates the reinforcement of democratic and participatory skills among teachers.

프로야구장의 물리적 환경에 대한 프로야구팬들의 인식 유형 분석: Q방법론적 접근

프로야구장의 물리적 환경에 대한 프로야구팬들의 인식 유형 분석: Q방법론적 접근

프로야구장의 물리적 환경에 대한 프로야구팬들의 인식 유형 분석: Q방법론적 접근

프로야구장의 물리적 환경에 대한 프로야구팬들의 인식 유형 분석: Q방법론적 접근

Experiences of suffering among elderly hip-fracture patients during the preoperative period: patients' and nurse's perspective.

In Norway, 6000 patients were operated on due to hip fracture in 2016. Hip fracture results in increased suffering and often in a dramatic change in an older person's life. The experience of suffering in patients with hip fracture, or nursing staff's perception of it in the preoperative period, is sparsely studied. The perspective of the study was based on caring sciences. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of subjective experiences of suffering among elderly hip-fracture patients during the preoperative period, seen from the patients' and nurses' perspective. A Q-methodological approach was used. Forty statements (Q-sample), based on interviews and theory, were ranked in a forced-choice distribution curve from 'mostly agree' to 'mostly disagree', followed by postinterviews. Nine patients and five nurses participated. A by-person factor analysis in the form of principal component analysis with varimax and hand rotation was conducted. Three factors, also called viewpoints, emerged as follows: (i) 'Feeling safe through presence, trust and hope'; (ii) 'Feeling safe occurs when the patient is seen, met and informed'; and (iii) 'Feeling alone and angry at oneself'. A polarisation between participants occurred, since the youngest patients (median age 73), the oldest patients (median age 90) and the nurses were represented in each specific factor. There exist differences between how the nursing staff, the youngest and the oldest elderly patients experienced the preoperative period and what can enhance or alleviate their suffering. Where the youngest elderly communicated safety through trust and relatives' presence, the oldest elderly communicated insecurity in relation to staff and experienced severe pain and loneliness. Nursing staff and one patient emphasised the importance of seeing the patient in the first meeting to establish a feeling of security.