Beyond a set of procedures: Reclaiming the philosophical depth of Q methodology

Q methodology is often described in terms of its procedures, yet this obscures Q’s deeper philosophical grounding and usefulness to scientifically study subjectivity. Drawing on Gary Gutting’s call for a philosophy that clarifies assumptions and respects complexity, we explore how the philosophical underpinnings of Q offer a radically different way to conceptualize the relationship between the knower and the known, allow for embracing the complexity of subjectivity, and facilitate researchers’ engagement with participants not as data points but as co-constructors of meaning. In doing so, Q can better offer a model of research that is both rigorous and human-centered.