“Simply stated, Q technique is a set of procedures whereby a sample of objects is placed in a significant order with respect to a single person. In its most typical form, the sample involves statements of opinion (Q sample) that an individual rank-orders in terms of some condition of instruction – e.g., from “most agree” (+5) to “most disagree” (-5). The items so arrayed comprise what is called a Q sort. Q sorts obtained from several persons are normally correlated and factor-analyzed by any of the available statistical methods. Factors indicate clusters of persons who have ranked the statements in essentially the same fashion. Explanations of factors is advanced in terms of commonly shared attitudes or perspectives. Q methodology is the body of theory and principles that guides the application of technique, method, and explanation.
… The resultant factors point to categories of operant subjectivity, i.e., to persons bearing family resemblances in terms of subjectively shared viewpoints. All is subjective, yet the factors are grounded in concrete behavior, are usually reliable and easily replicated, and, happily, are subject to statistical summary which facilitates more careful description and comparison.” (Brown, 1980, pp. 5-6)
Brown, S. R. (1980) Political subjectivity: Applications of
Q Methodology in political science. Yale: Yale University.
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