STATISTICAL METHODOLOGY - VII - Q-METHODOLOGY, A STRUCTURAL ANALYTIC APPROACH TO MEDICAL SUBJECTIVITY

Q-methodology is a relatively unknown tool to medical researchers, tha t 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 ab out a topic, without requiring preconceived ideas regarding the struct ure of those subjective feelings. Q-methodology is demonstrated using a study in which attitudes of emergency medicine residents toward comp uter education are explored systematically and classified in terms of statistically distinct factor viewpoints. In this example, Q-methodolo gy 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-me thodology can be used to determine the structure of attitudes on a sub jective topic, often yielding new insights.