Q-methodology Approach Research Articles

How do Startups use AI? A Q-methodology approach to understanding adoption patterns.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can move beyond mere task automation and can actively foster the very process of innovation. As startups are the organizational entities which rely heavily on creativity and innovation, it is intriguing to evaluate the use of AI in startups and in the entrepreneurship field. As AI is already becoming increasingly pervasive and indispensable in the startup ecosystem, the question arises, how exactly startups are using AI. We used the Q-methodology to investigate this topic empirically. This methodology was chosen because it combines the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The Q-samples (i.e., set of statements) were developed from secondary sources like literature and primary sources like interviews. In this context three in-depth-interviews with entrepreneurs were conducted to comprehensively cover the topic. The concourse comprised a set of 43 statements, that each provided one aspect of “How do startups use AI?”. The collection of the Q-Samples was then followed by the Q-sorting, in which participants were asked to rank the items according to their degree of agreement. In this study 30 entrepreneurs from different startups in Germany were interviewed. The interviews were conducted online via a video chat to give participants the chance to comment on their ranking. We used the QMethod Software for data collection and analysis. The research illuminates current AI practices among startups, identifies common fields and highlights areas for further development. The findings of this study reveal the prioritization of operational efficiency as the driving force behind AI implementation. However, it is quite concerning that ethical considerations are largely ignored, posing risks of potential ethical oversights in AI utilization. Furthermore, most startups see AI as a facilitator of human creativity rather than a replacement. Overall, this paper is relevant to a diverse audience interested in understanding the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities associated with the usage of AI technologies within the startup ecosystem. This audience includes entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, educators, and policy makers.

Optimising decision support tools for the agricultural sector

AbstractSeveral challenges threaten the viability of agriculture in the Mediterranean region, for instance, climate change and variability, land degradation and desertification, environmental and social pressures in rural areas, and the arrangement and extent of properties. These challenges require the attention of farm managers and effective decision-making that can safeguard the natural resource base, enhance resilience and food security, and promote sustainable production landscapes. Decision Support Tools (DSTs) offer valuable assistance in addressing these challenges by improving the decision-making process for both farmers and advisors. They enable data-informed decisions that can enhance the sustainability performance of agricultural businesses in the region. A crucial component of designing a proficient DST is the prompt involvement of stakeholders using a participatory approach to define the needs and requirements of end users. In this study, we engaged twenty-nine stakeholders, including farmers, advisors, extension officers, policy makers, and industry representatives from the Argolida regional unit and the Greek National Ministry of Rural Development and Food. This engagement was aimed at conducting a comprehensive analysis of user needs. To achieve this, we employed the Q-methodology approach to gain a thorough comprehension of the viewpoints and requirements of these diverse stakeholder groups. The results illustrated factors such as the need for user-friendly interfaces, the importance of data accuracy and reliability, the benefit of flexibility and adaptability, and the need for appropriate training and support. These findings can aid the effective development of DSTs so that emerging challenges can be framed in a manner that will facilitate solutions.

Examination of Psychological Counselor Candidates’ Views of Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Individual Psychological Counseling: A Q Methodology Approach

Individual Psychological Counseling Practicum is an applied course in which Guidance and Psychological Counseling undergraduate senior students have an opportunity to have a practical experience with an actual client in Turkey. In the course, the theoretical approaches chosen by the counselors and their views on this approach may affect their attitudes towards the practicum process and their experiences. Therefore, the current study aims to determine the opinions of guidance and psychological counseling senior students who took the course Individual Psychological Counseling Practicum about using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in individual psychological counseling with the Q-methodology approach. For this purpose, 33 senior undergraduate students participated in the current study, taking the Individual Psychological Counseling Practicum-2 course in Atatürk University. The research utilized Q-statements crafted by the researcher along with a Q-sort comprising 18 sentences ranging from -3 to +3, facilitating forced placement, as the data collection instrument. Results showed that the opinions of the counselor candidates about the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy were gathered in a single dimension, which indicates a positive attitude.

Understanding diversity in gender norms within farming communities: A Q-methodology approach applied in Uganda

Understanding diversity in gender norms within farming communities: A Q-methodology approach applied in Uganda

Barriers to implementing health programs based on community participation: the Q method derived perspectives of healthcare professional

BackgroundCommunity participation in implementing health programs leads to positive organizational, social and individual consequences. This study aimed to investigate the prospects of a sample of Iranian healthcare professionals about their perceived barriers to implementing health programs based on community participation.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study that employed a Q-methodology approach. Twenty health professional sorted the 47 statements into a 9-column Q-sort diagram ranging from − 4 as not important to + 4 as very important. The data were analyzed with PQMethod 2.35 software. The centroid factor analysis and varimax rotation were used for data analysis. Factors identified were interpreted and described in terms of the participants perspectives on the phenomenon.ResultsAnalysis of the study participants’ viewpoints (the Q-sorts) resulted in a five factor solution (accounted for 57% of the total variance) to endorse the main barriers to the implementation of health programs based on community participation in Iran. Barriers related to government, health programs, lack of necessary skills amongst health professionals and weak coordination between departments, barriers related to community, lack of understanding of goals, benefits and transparency of roles and responsibilities were among the important emanated factors to implementing health programs based community participation.ConclusionHealth policymakers and managers should consider the five mentioned identified barriers based on the community when planning and implementing the health program participation and try to empower the community to implement the programs in Iran.

신종 감염병 백신 접종에 대한 주관성 연구: 코로나19 이후의 감염병 예방을 위한 커뮤니케이션 전략

신종 감염병 백신 접종에 대한 주관성 연구: 코로나19 이후의 감염병 예방을 위한 커뮤니케이션 전략

Student Perceptions of Pedagogical Approaches to Integrating the SDG 8 into Business School Education

This paper aims to assess students’ perceptions regarding the extent of integration of the eighth principal Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 8) “promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all” into an undergraduate business school (BS) course. We analyzed students’ perceptions with respect to three pedagogical themes: content/curriculum; knowledge and skills; and awareness and attitudes. Based on legitimacy theory, we conducted a survey of 124 students at a globally accredited business school that has been a pioneer in terms of integrating SDGs into business school education in the Middle East and particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which we refer to as Alpha Business School (ABS). A Q-methodology approach was adopted by designing a concourse of 37 statements. Our research findings highlight that in response to institutional governmental pressure to implement the SDGs at all levels in the country, ABS has begun to integrate the SDGs into its practice, including undergraduate courses. However, after a more in-depth analysis, the findings suggest that traditional learning methods and a “business as usual” mentality continue to prevail as a management paradigm among students and that, therefore, ABS has only embedded SDG 8 symbolically without undergoing a full substantive change. In conclusion, further work is needed to incorporate the SDGs into all dimensions of the business school’s activities and to promote new methodologies, skills, and competencies. This paper is helpful for accounting educators and curriculum setters in the process of revamping accounting curricula to reflect the importance of sustainability education. The results of this study have professional, academic, and policy-making implications.

US Swine Industry Stakeholder Perceptions of Precision Livestock Farming Technology: A Q-Methodology Study.

This study used the Q-methodology approach to analyze perceptions of precision livestock farming (PLF) technology held by stakeholders directly or indirectly involved in the US swine industry. To see if stakeholders' perceptions of PLF changed over time as PLF is a rapidly evolving field, we deliberately followed up with stakeholders we had interviewed 6 months earlier. We identified three distinct points of view: PLF improves farm management, animal welfare, and laborer work conditions; PLF does not solve swine industry problems; PLF has limitations and could lead to data ownership conflict. Stakeholders with in-depth knowledge of PLF technology demonstrated elevated levels of optimism about it, whereas those with a basic understanding were skeptical of PLF claims. Despite holding different PLF views, all stakeholders agreed on the significance of training to enhance PLF usefulness and its eventual adoption. In conclusion, we believe this study's results hold promise for helping US swine industry stakeholders make better-informed decisions about PLF technology implementation.

인공지능 윤리에 대한 예비 도덕 교사의 인식 유형 연구 - Q 방법론 접근 -

인공지능 윤리에 대한 예비 도덕 교사의 인식 유형 연구 - Q 방법론 접근 -

The subjectivity of care workers’ perception on remaining functional ability care: A Q methodology approach

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and explain the subjectivity of care workes’ perception on remaining functional ability care.Methods: This study applied the Q-methodology approach. Through a literature review and individual interviews related to the topic of the study, 37 Q-statements were finally derived from 200 Q-populations, and 40 P-samples were asked to classify the Q statements. The data were analyzed using the QUANL Program. Factor analysis was performed using the P-samples along the axis.Results: As a result, Type 1 sees the need for remaining functional ability care in the physical area, and Type 2 recognizes the need for remaining functional ability care in the cognitive and psychological areas. Type 3 negatively perceives remaining functional ability care. Type 4 sees remaining functional ability care as an inaccessible area.Conclusion: This study suggests care workers should provide remaining functional ability care and institutions should develop an educational program on the concept’s effect and enhance care workers’ roles and task types so they can develop expertise.

The Nurses’ Perspectives About Barriers of Nurse-Physician Collaboration in Intensive Care Units: A Q-Methodology Study

Background: Nurse-physician collaboration is essential for providing effective and safe patient care in intensive care units. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the different viewpoints of nurses working in intensive care units about the barriers to nurse-physician collaboration in Kashan/Iran by 2020. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that employed a Q-methodology approach. Thirty intensive care nurses sorted the 24 statements into a 9-column Q-sort diagram ranging from -4 as not important to +4 as very important. The data were analyzed with PQMethod 2.35 software. The centroid factor analysis and varimax rotation were used for data analysis. The corresponding people for each extraction factor in the Q methodology were grouped and classified, and distinguishing statements were determined. Results: Four viewpoints were determined that could explain the 52.95% variance in the barriers to nurse-physician collaboration. The factors were named as different professional interests and lack of trust between nurses and physicians (26.77% of variance), goal confusion (10.74% of variance), systemic barriers to collaboration (8.17% of variance), and personal differences (7.25% of variance). Conclusions: Nurses had different viewpoints about barriers to nurse-physician collaboration. Different strategies and solutions are needed to improve collaboration, such as education, defining common goals, enhancing collaborative culture, and reaching mutual respect and understanding. Effective teamwork is essential for patient safety and a healthy work environment.

Project Success Criteria Evaluation for a Project-Based Organization and Its Stakeholders—A Q-Methodology Approach

The criteria that define project success change from one project to another, also from organization to organization, making success contextual for both the project organization and its stakeholders. This paper proposes a way to bridge this gap between what project success means to an organization and to its stakeholders in the context of Research and Development (R&D) projects. To achieve this, the available literature on project success has been analyzed to convert the different aspects identified into tangible units, allowing us to define and analyze the success criteria of a project in different dimensions. Subsequently, using Q-Methodology, which allowed us to determine among subjective opinions of Project Managers (PMs) of a project-based organization and their internal stakeholders, we will determine which criteria, within the previously identified dimensions, they consider as the most important for the success of a project, aiming to identify common success criteria that can be measured and controlled in the projects. Achieving the project goal, customer satisfaction regarding the quality of the activities, and knowledge generation turned out to be the most important criteria for PMs and stakeholders.

Stakeholders' Perspectives on the Application of New Diagnostic Devices for Urinary Schistosomiasis in Oyo State, Nigeria: A Q-Methodology Approach.

Urinary schistosomiasis is a waterborne parasitic infection caused by Schistosoma haematobium that affects approximately 30 million people annually in Nigeria. Treatment and eradication of this infection require effective diagnostics. However, current diagnostic tests have critical shortcomings and consequently are of limited value to stakeholders throughout the health care system who are involved in targeting the diagnosis and subsequent control of schistosomiasis. New diagnostic devices that fit the local health care infrastructure and support the different stakeholder diagnostic strategies remain a critical need. This study focuses on understanding, by means of Q-methodology, the context of use and application of a new diagnostic device that is needed to effectively diagnose urinary schistosomiasis in Oyo State, Nigeria. Q-methodology is a technique that investigates subjectivity by exploring how stakeholders rank-order opinion statements about a phenomenon. In this study, 40 statements were administered to evaluate stakeholder perspectives on the context of use and application of potential new diagnostic devices and how these perspectives or viewpoints are shared with other stakeholders. Potential new diagnostic devices will need to be deployable to remote or distant communities, be affordable, identify and confirm infection status before treatment in patients whose diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis is based on self-reporting, and equip health care facilities with diagnostic devices optimized for the local setting while requiring local minimal infrastructural settings. Similarly, the context of use and application of a potential new diagnostic device for urinary schistosomiasis is primarily associated with the tasks stakeholders throughout the health care system perform or procedures employed. These findings will guide the development of new diagnostic devices for schistosomiasis that match the contextual landscape and diagnostic strategies in Oyo.

How do wound care nurses structure the subjective frame on palliative wound care? A Q-methodology approach

BackgroundPalliative wound care is important for stability in terminal care. It addresses both the physical and psychological needs of patients and facilitates other aspects of terminal care. Appropriate competencies of nurses regarding palliative wound care can improve patient outcomes and raise their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to identify how wound care nurses structure the subjective frames regarding palliative wound care.MethodThis study utilized Q-methodology to analyze their subjective viewpoints. Forty nurses experienced in palliative wound care were asked to completely classify 35 Q-statements into a normal distribution shape. The PQ-Method program was used to conduct principal factor analysis and varimax rotation for data analysis.ResultsThis study revealed 4 Q-factors of palliative wound care: “Focusing on care within the boundary of current patient demands,” “Comparing continuously the priorities on wound healing and disease care,” “Preparing and preventing from worsening via tracking care in advance,” and “Moving forward with a clear direction by confronting the declining condition.”ConclusionWe hope that the results of this study are used in the development of nursing education that reflects professional perspectives of palliative wound care, thus helping to improve nursing competencies in palliative care.

Delivering the Sustainable Development Goals through development corridors in East Africa: A Q-Methodology approach to imagining development futures

In this paper we advance a novel approach to integrated assessment of the ways in which the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are likely to manifest and interact within a given development context, using Q-Methodology and the conceptual framing of imaginaries. We apply this to development corridors and identify three qualitatively distinct imaginaries of SDG futures that exist among stakeholders across five development corridors in East Africa. These imaginaries articulate shared understandings of the ways in which corridors are likely to support, or limit, achievement of the SDGs and construct explanatory logics around the ways in which SDG trade-offs and synergies are likely to manifest within corridors. Our analysis suggests that SDG goals and targets are mostly synergistic in corridor landscapes, but that interactions can be multi-dimensional. We also (1) identify specific clusters of goals and targets that may be directly mutually reinforcing and which, strengthened in parallel, could upscale development within corridors and; (2) identify ways in which, following current corridor trajectories, progress towards some SDGs is likely to threaten progress towards other goals and targets. Particularly, the analysis identifies biodiversity conservation (SDG14/SDG15), sustainability (SDG11, SDG12, SDG13), secure and equal access to land (SDG2.3) and inequality reduction (SDG10) to be likely trade-offs to other development gains in current corridor trajectories. The research emphasises the need for more integrated corridor governance to achieve the SDGs efficiently, as a whole and for all. The method is flexible and could be applied to enable rapid assessment of SDG trajectories within other development contexts.

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.

Categorizing Young Facebook Users Based On Their Differential Preference of Social Media Heuristics: A Q-Methodology Approach

Abstract Background: Social media have become an integral part of our modern society by providing platforms for users to create and exchange news, ideas, and information. The increasing use of social media has raised concerns about the reliability of the shared information, particularly information that is generated from anonymous users. Though prior studies have confirmed the important roles of heuristics and cues in the users’ evaluation of trustworthy information, there has been no research–to our knowledge–that categorized Facebook users based on their approaches to evaluating information credibility. Method: We employed Q-methodology to extract insights from 55 young Vietnamese users and to categorize them into different groups based on the distinct sets of heuristics that they used to evaluate the trustworthiness of online information on Facebook. Results: We identified four distinct types of young Facebook user groups that emerged based on their evaluation of online information trustworthiness. When evaluating online information trustworthiness on Facebook, these user groups assigned priorities differently to the characteristics of the online content, its original source, and the sharers or aggregators. We named these groups: (1) the balanced analyst, (2) the critical analyst, (3) the source analyst, and (4) the social network analyst. Conclusion: The findings offer insights that contribute to information processing literature. Moreover, marketing practitioners who aim to disseminate information effectively on social networks should take these user groups’ perspectives into consideration.

Attitudes, beliefs, and practices among Swiss chiropractors regarding medication prescribing for musculoskeletal conditions: a national Q-methodology study

BackgroundSwiss chiropractors have been licensed since 1995 to prescribe from a limited formulary of medications for treating musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. In January 2018, this formulary was expanded to include additional muscle relaxant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory medications. Internationally, controversy remains over whether or not medication prescribing should be pursued within the chiropractic profession.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess Swiss chiropractors’ attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding their existing medication prescription privileges. This information will provide new insights on the topic and help inform research and policy discussions about expanding chiropractic prescription rights in other jurisdictions.MethodsA 13-item questionnaire and Q-methodology approach were used to conduct the assessment. Recruitment was conducted by e-mail between December 2019 and February 2020, and all members of the Swiss Chiropractic Association were eligible to participate. Data were analyzed using by-person factor analysis and descriptive statistics.ResultsIn total, 187 Swiss chiropractors participated in this study (65.4% response rate). Respondents reported prescribing analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants to a median of 5, 5, and 0% of patients, respectively. Forty-two percent of respondents expressed interest in further expanding the range of current medications available to Swiss chiropractors for treating MSK conditions. Only 15% expressed interest in expanding this range to include medications for treating non-MSK conditions. In the Q-methodology analysis, four salient viewpoints/groups regarding medication prescribing emerged: prescribers, non-prescribers, collaborators, and integrators. All except non-prescribers thought medication prescription privileges were advantageous for the chiropractic profession in Switzerland. There was also strong consensus among all four groups that medication prescribing should not replace manual therapy in chiropractic practice.ConclusionThis was the first national survey on attitudes toward prescribing medications among Swiss chiropractors since the year 2000, and the first using Q-methodology. With this approach, four unique groups of chiropractic prescribers were identified. Even with diversity among clinicians, the findings of this study showed general support for, along with conservative use of, prescribing privileges within the Swiss chiropractic profession. Studies in jurisdictions outside of Switzerland are needed to assess whether chiropractors are interested in expanding their scopes of practice to include similar prescribing privileges.

Producer perceptions of the incentives and challenges of adopting ecolabels in the European finfish aquaculture industry: A Q-methodology approach

There is growing research interest in aquaculture ecolabelling. This is unsurprising given the potential economic incentives for the producer such as market access, price premium and increased sales, as well as the expected environmental benefits. To date, the focus has been on consumer perspectives of ecolabels, but research regarding farmers' perceptions remains scant. This study starts to address this gap by examining producers’ perceptions of the costs and benefits of ecolabelling, and by investigating the effects of operation scale on these perceptions. A Q-methodology approach was used to uncover shared ways of thinking about this topic. A total of 26 interviews provided in-depth data on the perceptions behind the Q-sort rankings. The results of the study indicated that producers believed that adopting ecolabelling provides opportunities such as enhanced local and export market access, product acceptance, price premium, long-term supply contracts, increased investment attractiveness, positive consumer perception of aquaculture products and increased reputation. Producers also identified challenges such as compliance costs, costly annual audits and a lack of long-term benefits. The results of this study also suggest that incentives and challenges may not be correlated to scale, as comparable sized farm units did not share similar viewpoints. There are many considerations for a producer prior to pursuing certification. Providing evidence relating to the perceived incentives and challenges may make the decision to take a step towards sustainability an easier one.

Millennials’ Attitudes Toward Online Luxury Buying Behavior in South Korea: A Q-methodology Approach

The millennials are a crucial generational cohort of customers who buy luxury goods online. Asian luxury consumers became the major driver of global luxury sales growth. While there are a number of papers from developing countries in Asia, this study explores millennials’ attitudes toward shopping online for luxury goods from among the most world’s leading economy of South Korea.This paper has used Q methodology to examine and categorize millennials’ behavior toward online luxury consumption. The QUANAL program was employed for data collection and results revealed that there is a significant behavioral distinction between three types of shoppers such as Online Convenience Shopper, Online Economic Shopper and Traditional Shopper.The findings of this study have a managerial contribution by understanding the typology of online luxury goods consumers among Korean millennials. As one of the sizable cohorts who are purchasing luxury online, this paper could help managers to maintain and increase sales growth among millennials online. This study has also a theoretical or academic contribution by creating a new consumer type and broadening the knowledge about online luxury buying behavior.