A literature review to guide novice researchers using Q methodology in the development of a framework for concourse management

BACKGROUND: For novice Q methodology researchers, the development of the concourse is challenging. This challenge is exacerbated by the paucity of literature focusing on the development of the concourse. AIM: To highlight the lack of strategy related to concourse development in Q methodology literature and to undertake a selected literature review to suggest frameworks for concourse development to guide researchers. DISCUSSION: A limited search conducted using CINAHL PLUS appraised the variety of concourse strategies used in Q studies. Of 44 papers located, 23 used no strategy while the others used one of four types of strategy: thematic, profession-specific, broader healthcare and social care frameworks or a framework that the researchers devised specifically for their research. CONCLUSION: The Q methodology literature frequently lacks discussion about the development of the concourse. Therefore, studies that focus on concourse development should be a focus of future research, along with the further development of the ideas put forward in this paper for possible frameworks. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This paper will raise awareness inside and outside the Q methodology community that novice researchers want to use Q methodology but may require more detail about how to construct robust concourses.