How to use Q-methodology in dream research

Assumptions, procedures and benefits

Bibliographic Data

ID3900585
AuthorsJennifer Parker (0000-0003-0977-3096), Jennifer D Parker (0000-0002-4626-9916), Chris Alford (0000-0003-0887-6958)
Year2010
Volume20
Issue3
Pages169-183
Publication date2010-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueDreaming (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1053-0797 • E-ISSN: 1573-3351
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association (APA) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1037/a0020422
OpenAlexW2035840724
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited9

Current quantitative methods of approaching dream research, which dominate published material about dreams, have led to descriptions of dreams as homogenous events. Q-methodology is an approach that may identify heterogeneity in dream report studies and subsequent dream types based upon the subjectivity of the dream experience. Q-methodology is described as a Qualiquantological approach to dream analysis which maximizes the use of statistics in a qualitative way (Stenner & Stainton-Rogers, 2004). Q is distinguished from other methods because the dreamer sorts the subjectivity of the dream they are reporting and provides a written description of the dream; these are used together to identify shared patterns of subjectivity within a large data set. The advantages of using Q-methodology are outlined and the resources necessary to conduct a study are shared. The aim of this paper is to present a preliminary explanation prior to presenting the first study to use Q-methodology in dream research. © 2010 American Psychological Association

Dream · Epistemology · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Set (abstract data type · Social science · Sociology · Subjectivity · Computer Science · Psychology · Q Methodology Applications · Philosophy · Social Psychology