This book introduces Q methodology, a method developed nearly a century ago and now recognized as a comprehensive approach for studying subjectivity in the human sciences. The text situates Q methodology historically and delves into its philosophical and technical aspects in relation to educational philosophy, both at collective and individual levels. It showcases Q methodology's relevance and value across numerous educational domains, including counsellor education, cultural foundations, instructional technology, leadership studies, education policy, teaching practices, educational psychology, assessment, measurement, and child studies. It further speculates on Q methodology's future in education research and offers insights for research across various educational fields.
With contributions from diverse applications authored by international educational scholars, this edited volume offers a sophisticated introduction to Q methodology in education. It is applicable to the work of researchers across quantitative and qualitative disciplines in education.
Chapter 1. William Stephenson, Education, and the Cultivation of Subjectivity.- Chapter 2. Q Methodology and Education.- Chapter 3. Q Methodology in Counselor Education and Counseling Practice.- Chapter 4. Designing Open Innovation Programs for STEM Education.- Chapter 5. Cultural Foundations and Q Methodology.- Chapter 6. Connecting Q Methodology and Instructional Technology.- Chapter 7. Culturally Responsive Research for Leadership Studies.- Chapter 8. Education Policy Research.- Chapter 9. Strengthening Teacher Effectiveness through Exploring Subjectivities Concerning Teaching Practices.- Chapter 10. Educational Psychology: Returning to the Roots.- Chapter 11. Subjectivity and Assessment.- Chapter 12. Exploring Young Children`s Thoughts: Considerations and Challenges.- Chapter 13. Epilogue: The Future of Q Methodology in Education Sciences.
Steven R. Brown is an Emeritus Professor in Political Science and Adjunct Instructor in the Graduate School of Education, Kent State University, USA. He received the Harold Lasswell Award (2009) from the International Society of Political Psychology and the William Stephenson Award (2010) from the International Society for the Scientific Study of Subjectivity.
Diane Montgomery is a Regents Professor Emerita in Educational Psychology at Oklahoma State University, USA where she has published widely and taught a doctoral seminar in Q methodology for almost 30 years. She is a charter member of the International Society for the Scientific Study of Subjectivity and served as its President and has taught public school children and youth in all grades.
Evidently, Q Methodology and Education is a substantial landmark that adds to the valuable resources on Q methodology and educational sciences. We believe the book will inspire a wave of educational studies and book series that employ Q methodology to deepen our understanding of, and offer fresh insights into, the complexity and dynamics of subjectivity in education across diverse contexts. We are genuinely excited and look forward to this development. (Zichen Guan and Lawrence Jun Zhang, RELC Journal, February 18, 2026)
