title: Statistical methodology: VII. Q-methodology, a structural analytic approach to medical subjectivity.
abstract: Q-methodology is a relatively unknown tool to medical researchers, that uses a mixed quantitative/qualitative statistical technique known as by-person factor analysis to study subjectivity. Q-methodology allows the grouping of individuals according to their subjective feelings about a topic, without requiring preconceived ideas regarding the structure of those subjective feelings. Q-methodology is demonstrated using a study in which attitudes of emergency medicine residents toward computer education are explored systematically and classified in terms of statistically distinct factor viewpoints. In this example, Q-methodology identifies 4 attitude groups, as related to computers and computer education: 1) interested, eager to learn; 2) frustrated and interested, but with reservations; 3) interested mainly in benefits, willing to expend minimal effort; and 4) knowledgeable, independent learner. Q-methodology can be used to determine the structure of attitudes on a subjective topic, often yielding new insights.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60612, USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Barbosa
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Willoughby
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Mrtek
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D013664:Teaching Materials