Capdevila, R. and Lazard, L. (2008) 'Is it just me?' Q methodology and representing the marginal. Operant Subjectivity: The International Journal of Q Methodology. 32, pp. 70-84. 0193-2713.
- Information
Information
Abstract:
In this paper Q as a constructionist methodology is considered through its engagement with marginality. Drawing primarily on debates within and examples from the discipline of psychology, we aim to illustrate ways in which issues of marginality become relevant to constructionist concerns around knowledge production. A key focus of constructionism(s) is on multiple versions of social phenomena in situated and local contexts. This position represents a move away from, and a challenge to, totalising forms of knowledge associated with more objectivist epistemologies. Broadly speaking, Q’s ability to tap into a range of perspectives or, what we will refer to here as, narratives – marginal or otherwise – provides a way to explicate constructionist concerns with multiplicity and unsettle mainstream notions of coherent and total knowledges of the social world. To contextualise the ways in which Q works with notions of marginality, this paper begins by delineating how Q itself is (re)produced as an othered methodology in debates around its location within the quantitative ‐qualitative dichotomy. We move on to consider the ways in which Q may offer a distinctive contribution within constructionist‐informed research through its ability to make expressions of marginality manifest.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Q methodology; discursive practice; subjectivity
Creators:
Capdevila, R. and Lazard, L.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Group > Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Group > Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
Date:
October 2008
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 70-84
Journal or Publication Title:
Operant Subjectivity: The International Journal of Q Methodology
Volume:
32
Language:
English
ISSN:
0193-2713
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
 |