Use of Q-methodology in a study of older community dwellers facing the largest urban redevelopment and renewal project in Hong Kong

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this methodology paper is to draw on the procedural decisions of a study that used Q-methodology to study older community dwellers facing the largest single urban redevelopment project in Hong Kong, one that involves complex issues and multiple stakeholders. Methodology/approach: This is a methodology paper that is supported by the literature. Q-methodology was a part of the mixed methods study and was followed by focus groups. Result: Findings provided existential understanding of the older community dwellers and the knowledge base for subsequent studies. Discussion: This paper discusses and argues the use of Q-methodology in a community study with older residents. The theoretical and philosophical positions and the methodological implications are outlined. The results can also be transformed into concrete, useful information to inform policymaking. Implications: The application of Q-methodology in a large-scale urban redevelopment project among older community dwellers has been scant. The research, social and practice implication of this paper is to highlight the distinguishing characteristics of the Q-methodology by providing a contextual background and discussing the methodological considerations of the study. The advantages of using Q-methodology in the fieldwork and older adults are identified. Originality/value: Responding to trends in aging and urbanization, two historically significant demographic changes stressed by the World Health Organization and the European Commission, this paper focuses on the procedural decisions of the first study using Q-methodology to study older community dwellers facing the largest urban redevelopment and renewal project in Hong Kong to understand their perceptions and attitudinal patterns.