Q methodology and Questionnaires – from small ‘p’ to big ‘N’

Q methodology combines quantitative and qualitative research methods to explore questions that are qualitative in nature. Q studies produce rich insights into the views, values or beliefs that exist in relation to a topic. Q is not designed for questions of measurement and distribution, but Q analysis generates some numeric information that can be used to inform surveys. In this chapter, we describe the possibilities (and our experiences) of exploring the distribution of Q factors in larger populations using survey research (Q to survey or Q2S for short).