Data collection application for Q methodology research
Q methodology is a qualitative approach used mainly in psychology and social sciences to research subjectivity. It includes a specific data gathering procedure followed by an ad hoc statistical analysis. While statistical analysis packages designed for Q methodology are already satisfying, there is the need for an on-line tool for data collection which allows for the gathering of more information than the (only) software already available. Also, due to the nature and the specific requirements of the data collection process, this cannot be done with commonly available on-line survey applications.
Collecting data for Q methodology requires the research participants to sort on a forced quasi-normal distribution grid a given set of statements from more to less agree. The sorting task must be preceded by a personal information collection questionnaire and followed by another questionnaire related to configuration of the sort (i.e. how the statements are displayed on the grid).
Therefore key requirements for the applications would be:
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Accessible online through personal link.
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Personal information collection form.
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Definition of the statements (usually 40-60).
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Definition of the display grid (following a quasi-normal distribution, should allow for adjustment of kurtosis).
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Visualisation of the statements to the research participant and drag and drop function to fill in the grid with the given statements.
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Follow up questionnaire.
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Storage of all data.
Client
Contact Person: Dr Nicola Fraschini
Telephone: 3963
Email: [email protected]
Preferred method of contact: email
Location: Social Sciences G.22
Client Unavailability
None
IP Exploitation Model
The client wishes to use a Creative Commons CC BY-NC model to deal with IP embodied in the project.