Advancing Language Research through Q Methodology

This volume investigates the ways in which Q methodology can uncover and foreground new perspectives and contribute to language education and language policy research. It demonstrates the flexibility of this research methodology in addressing dynamic and complex language issues across a variety of educational topics and geographical contexts. The chapter authors use Q methodology to explore topics such as identity, motivation, cognition, emotion, pre-service and in-service teacher beliefs and to evaluate language programmes, curricula and policies. These contributions highlight Q methodology’s potential to inform theoretical developments by revealing fresh perspectives on contemporary issues and generating new hypotheses. They foster further Q methodology research, demonstrating how it can contribute to a science of subjectivity and allow researchers to value the perspectives of all stakeholders for more inclusive research. This book will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in language education and language policy research and those in the broader field of social sciences looking to expand their knowledge of the methodology and how it can be used to study contemporary, dynamic and complex issues.

Nicola Fraschini is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne Asia Institute, Australia, where he teaches Korean language. His research interests include foreign language learner and teacher emotions, motivation and Q methodology. His research has been published in journals such as the Modern Language Journal and Annual Review of Applied Linguistics.

Adrian Lundberg is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of School Development and Leadership at Malmö University, Sweden. His research focuses on investigating stakeholders’ subjective viewpoints about educational issues at the crossroads of multilingualism, equity and policy. His Q methodology research has been published in Learning and Instruction, Educational Research Review and Current Issues in Language Planning.

Renata Aliani is a researcher within the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, Australia. Her research interests focus primarily on Italian, bilingual education, teacher training and leadership. She has been the convener of the Melbourne-based online Q Research Group since its inception in 2016.