Transcript q-sOrt.COM
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
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 generalpurpose 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
Sorting
(Researcher)
(Respondent)
Analysis
(Researcher)
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 Jurczyk
[email protected]
www.q-sort.com