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

2. 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 Q Conference at Kent State –Stark (Canton) (developed in Director)
…but…

3. 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.

4. 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)

5. 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

6. Q-SORT.COM - Modules (Respondent) Sorting (Researcher) Analysis
Administration

7. 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
View study progress
Create printout with q sample, instructions, rules
Import/Export data from Excel, PQMethod, text

8. 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 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)

9. Administration Tool Screens

10. Administration Tool Screens

11. Administration Tool Screens

12. Administration Tool Screens

13. Administration Tool Screens

14. Administration Module

15. Sorting Module Functions: Features Benefits
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

16. 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

17. Analysis Module Functions: Features Benefits
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

18. Platforms Administration and Sorting Modules: Analysis Module
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

19. Timeline 2007 2008 December: Administrative Module Devel0ped
January: Sorting Module Developed
February: Alpha Testing – Admin and Sorting
March: Beta Testing
May: Documentation
June: Release

20. 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

21. Contact Information
Joe Jurczyk