A Web-Based Tool for Administering Data Collection for Q Methodology Studies 2007 ISSSS Conference Bethesda, MD Joe Jurczyk University of Akron Doctoral.

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

Contact Information

Joe [email protected]