Q METHODOLOGY AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Q methodology combines the strengths of both qualitative and quantitat ive methods, and its use in research has been facilitated by recent de velopments in computer software. Q methodology is briefly illustrated in a single-case study of the subjective experience of health care, an d the data generated are used to illustrate the QMethod package, a men u-driven freeware program for mainframes and PCs that facilitates Q-so rt data entry, correlation and factor analysis, theoretical rotation o f factors, and calculation of factor scores. Instructions are provided for obtaining QMethod, for subscribing to a journal devoted to Q meth odology, and for joining the Q methodology electronic discussion group .