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Translating Q methodology results into survey questions for large-scale use: a comparison of approaches

Neil McHugh et al.

International Journal of Social Research Methodology2026https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2026.2627339article
ABDC B
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Developing Q to survey (Q2S) approaches from underlying Q methodology studies offers huge potential to design quantitative surveys in a systematic, transparent way for any topic. However, Q2S is underdeveloped despite calls for more methodological testing. This paper is the first to compare the performance of four different Q2S approaches in terms of their feasibility, validity and reliability. The four Q2S approaches were: rating statements; ranking blocks of statements; mini-Q; and rating short narratives. Encouragingly, we find that all four Q2S approaches seem to perform well, meaning flexibility is retained in how Q2S studies are designed. Further testing of these approaches and alternative ones is required. Avenues for further research, and characteristics of the underlying Q study and purpose of the Q2S study that may influence the choice of Q2S approach are discussed.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2026.2627339

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@article{neil2026,
  title        = {{Translating Q methodology results into survey questions for large-scale use: a comparison of approaches}},
  author       = {Neil McHugh et al.},
  journal      = {International Journal of Social Research Methodology},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2026.2627339},
}

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Translating Q methodology results into survey questions for large-scale use: a comparison of approaches

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.