Q METHODOLOGY - THE INVESTIGATION OF MEANING SYSTEMS IN DIFFERENT LIFE-CONDITIONS THROUGH PROVERBS

Written by Éva Kállay on 15 June 2007. Posted in Special issue: Qualitative Research In Psychosocial Sciences, Guest Editor: Adriana BĂBAN, Volume XI, Nr. 2

ABSTRACT

The present article has two major objectives. The first one is to present a brief review of the Q methodology with the descriptions of the major stages necessary for conducting a proper Q-method based investigation. Secondly, we offer two concrete exemplifications of investigations applying the Q-method, through which we try to inquire the major aspects of meaning systems in two different life-situations: normal life conditions and possible changes in global meaning systems after experiencing long-lasting severe stress in a population of patients diagnosed with diabetes.

KEYWORDS: Q-methodology, global meaning system, situational meaning system, proverbs.