How to use q methodology in engineering education research

Abstract

Graduate and undergraduate student researchers are continually learning and performing research methodologies as part of research assistantships or for independent theses and dissertations. Particularly in engineering education research, it is important for student researchers to have working knowledge of and practice using a variety of methodologies. To support the growth of student researchers, this 'tricks of the trade paper explains Q methodology, a mixed methods research methodology, and how it can be utilized in engineering education. Q methodology is a social science research methodology focused on systematically studying subjectivity utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. The methodology is used to study how people think about a topic (e.g., their viewpoints, perspectives, or beliefs), resulting in a set of subjective viewpoints which represent the way of thinking regarding a topic. As an inherently convergent mixed methods design, Q methodology explains the quantitative results of a factor analysis using the qualitative findings from interviews. While Q methodology has had limited use in engineering education research to-date, it has a larger presence in education and educational psychology research more broadly. This paper details the history of Q methodology, when it is appropriate to use it as a research design within engineering education research, the components of the methodology, how to execute a Q methodology study, and how to analyze and interpret the results. A detailed example from a dissertation is provided for how Q methodology is currently being used to study the experiences of early career women engineers when they encounter gender-based challenges in the workplace. Ultimately, this paper demonstrates and promotes the strengths of Q methodology within engineering education research and provides student researchers actionable steps and knowledge to advance their research skills.