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A Web-Based Tool for Administering Data Collection for Q Methodology Studies2007 ISSSS ConferenceBethesda, MD
Joe JurczykUniversity of AkronDoctoral Student
Introduction Method of administering Q Methodology
Studies: Traditional method:
Printed cards Face-to-face administration of sort Analysis (PQMethod, PCQ)
Some Web-Based Tools for sorting WebQ SolitaireQ FlashQ Author’s original Q-Sort.com program demo-ed at
2003 Q Conference at Kent State –Stark (Canton)(developed in Director)
…but…
Problem Statement
While there are several project-specific web-based tools for q-sorting, there is no general-purpose application to accommodate the administration of multiple studies.
Purpose Statement
Goal of research is to develop an integrated general web-based solution that incorporates three components: Administration Module (Researcher) Sorting Module (Respondent) Analysis Module (Researcher)
Dissertation
Development of a general web-based tool for managing Q Methodology studies
Will include: Review of existing tools Programming /design / development of
tool to address shortcomings/opportunities Testing of tool by with real studies to
provide feedback, suggested revisions Documentation of process
Q-SORT.COM - Modules
Administration Module Functions:
Setup web-based Q studies: - create q sample- rating scale (e.g. -5 to +5) and grid - conditions of instruction
(e.g. Most Unlike to Most Like)- rules (e.g. pre-sort items into 3 piles: +, -, 0)
Store sorts (manual and web-based) Invite participants by e-mail View study progress Create printout with q sample, instructions, rules Import/Export data from Excel, PQMethod, text
Administration Module Features
Database-driven (MySQL) Web-based access to data (not PC-specific) Re-use of q sample
(e.g. multiple conditions of instruction) Generate e-mail invitations to participate Can accept data collected manually and online
Benefits Accessible anytime, anywhere by researcher
and respondent Provides setup/administration to multiple
studies Lower setup costs (time)
Administration Tool Screens
Administration Tool Screens
Administration Tool Screens
Administration Tool Screens
Administration Tool Screens
Administration Module
Sorting Module Functions:
Provides graphic (Flash-based) web interface for sorting items
Results stored in database, researcher notified Features
Web-based interface Can incorporate text and multimedia
(graphics, audio, animation, etc.) items Incorporate chat on online discussion between
researcher and respondent Benefits
No geographic limits – accessible anytime, anywhere
Results automatically stored online
Sorting Module Process
Program presents rules and conditions of instruction
Program presents items to sort into 3 preliminary piles
User pre-sorts items, sorts items into grid(s) User submits responses Program verifies responses, checks rules for
validity Program asks questions (demographics, open-
ended questions) Program stores results in database (tbl_results):
User id Data from sort Answers from questions
Analysis Module Functions:
Perform analysis of collected Q-Sorts Export data to common formats Future: web-based integrated version of PQMethod
(Java-based) or similar analysis tool Features
PQMethod-compatible Database-driven
Benefits No data entry required (web-based) Automatically generate .sta, .dat, .lis, .raw files Future: web-based allows access anytime, anywhere
Platforms
Administration and Sorting Modules: Flash interface with XML PHP MySQL backend
Analysis Module Currently: DOS/Windows-based
(PQMethod or PCQ) that can import Q-Sort.com data
Future: Integrate Java-based module with Flash interface
Timeline
2007 December: Administrative Module
Devel0ped
2008 January: Sorting Module Developed February: Alpha Testing – Admin and Sorting March: Beta Testing May: Documentation June: Release
Summary
Goal: To provide a general web-based tool that will be flexible in order to : Support multiple studies (multiple
concourses, data types, conditions of instruction, rules)
Provide a universal interface for administrators and subjects
Compatible with other analysis programs
