title: Q-Sample Construction: A Critical Step for a Q-Methodological Study.
abstract: Q-sample construction is a critical step in Q-methodological studies. Prior to conducting Q-studies, researchers start with a population of opinion statements (concourse) on a particular topic of interest from which a sample is drawn. These sampled statements are known as the Q-sample. Although literature exists on methodological processes to conduct Q-methodological studies, limited guidance exists on the practical steps to reduce the population of statements to a Q-sample. A case exemplar illustrates the steps to construct a Q-sample in preparation for a study that explored perspectives nurse educators and nursing students hold about simulation design. Experts in simulation and Q-methodology evaluated the Q-sample for readability, clarity, and for representativeness of opinions contained within the concourse. The Q-sample was piloted and feedback resulted in statement refinement. Researchers especially those undertaking Q-method studies for the first time may benefit from the practical considerations to construct a Q-sample offered in this article.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA Milwaukee School of Engineering, WI, USA paige@msoe.edu.
authors.forename: Jane B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Paige
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA.
authors.forename: Karen H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Morin
mesh_terms: D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Q-methodology; Q-sample construction; simulation-based learning