Subjectivity in the Classroom: A Design Case Study of a Q Sort Tool

• In Event: Design Cases in Diverse Learning Contexts

Abstract

The Q methodology provides a quantitative means of examining subjectivity through the use of an activity called a Q sort in which participants must sort a list of given items within a predetermined sorting form. Although the Q Methodology has a long history as a research tool, its use as an instructional tool has not been extensively explored due largely perhaps to the fact that it is difficult to prepare a Q sort in its traditional, paper-based form. To meet this challenge, a digital prototype of a Q sort tool was built. The purpose of this design research is to present the design story of this tool. Four main categories of design iterations are presented.

Author

• Lloyd P. Rieber, University of Georgia