ABSTRACT

Q methodology was developed in 1935 by William Stephenson, a British physicist/psychologist, who in our view exemplifies several aspects of postdisciplinarity in his cursus. This methodology is specifically directed at the objective study of human subjectivity and presents many features that can stimulate researchers’ creativity and innovativeness. The chapter is organised in four sections. First, it presents a brief historical outline of the life and work of William Stephenson and highlights a number of respects in which his work is of relevance to postdisciplinarity. Second, it provides an outline of the basic concepts and procedures of Q Methodology. The third section provides two examples of the practice of Q methodology, utilising verbal and visual stimulus material, respectively. The final section suggests a number of ways in which Q methodology can contribute to the development of postdisciplinary knowledge and practice.