Abstract
Applied linguistics (AL) is a broad field of study that often concerns subjective domains such as beliefs, opinions, perspectives, values and emotions. Qmethodology (Q), a mixed methods approach to phenomenological and typological inquiry, is specifically designed to help researchers better understand individuals’ subjective viewpoints. Although Q has existed for eight decades, it rarely intersects with language-related research. This article offers AL researchers an overview of Q and examples of its application. The overview covers its brief history and underlying theoretical concepts. The application is illustrated using a case exemplar that investigates language learners’ perspectives regarding enjoyment in online learning. The advantages and limitations of Q are also discussed. There is plenty of room for AL researchers to advance Q, both as a standalone methodology and as an accompaniment to other methods.
Keywords: applied linguistics; by-person factor analysis; mixed methods research; Q methodology; subjectivity
Corresponding author: Athip Thumvichit, Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia, Mahidol University, 999 Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand, E-mail: athip.thu@mahidol.edu
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Received: 2021-12-30
Accepted: 2022-06-08
Published Online: 2022-06-22
Published in Print: 2024-03-25
© 2022 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
