The joys of quantitative research (!)

I am actually proud of myself that I had the guts to pick up a quantitative method again... Despite my past bad experiences with it and my belief that I was not inclined towards it.

I have challenged it through learning how to use Q Methodology. My ability to do abstract reasoning, works even with numbers, it does not merely work with words. I surprise myself. :) 

If not for struggling with it, making lots of mistakes, asking for help, and trying again, I would not have learned this about myself! :)

I love how quantitative data can surprise you in a way that qualitative data cannot. And I have learned not to fear surprises. I learned that there is a story waiting to be told, and I am the story writer. :) 

Q Methodology Investments

I became exposed to Q Methodology while through two articles I read, one in citizenship education and one in patriotism (political science). And my interest in it has been piqued since. I like it because it seems fun to construct a concourse, a universe of ideas that can represent all possible opinions on a particular issue or topic. And I like the objectivity of using statistics to help with making decisions, instead of using purely a human instrument! So yes, it brings out  in me the best of my qualitative and quantitative selves!

It is a method new to my supervisor, so what I have decided to do is to invest in myself picking up this method. I am going to learn it on my own and use it in my Ph.D. I have signed up for a conference, with some data, so I can play around with, do a presentation, get feedback. I have signed up for two workshops, also so I can learn more and also ask some questions. I am not attending the conference fresh, but I have some some study on my part to maximize my learnings. So there you have it, if you don't know something, go and find out about it. Don't be afraid to start from scratch.

Q Methodology

This is the new methodology that I want to pick up and use for my Ph.D studies...

“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.