Article Title
Q Methodology: A Method for Understanding Complex Viewpoints in Communities Served by Extension
Volume
56
Issue
2
Abstract
This article introduces Q methodology, an idea-sorting activity that can help Extension improve outreach and education on new and contentious issues. Q methodology is a helpful tool when Extension professionals are confronted with controversial or complex resource management challenges. Through the analysis of a simple card-sorting exercise, researchers can determine quantitatively and qualitatively how different issues combine to result in (a) an individual's viewpoint on an issue and (b) groupings of different viewpoints within a community. We describe the basic approach to implementing Q methodology and suggest circumstances in which it can help facilitate Extension outreach and education.
Recommended Citation
Lien, A. M., Ruyle, G., & López-Hoffman, L. (2018). Q Methodology: A Method for Understanding Complex Viewpoints in Communities Served by Extension. The Journal of Extension, 56(2), Article 18. https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol56/iss2/18
