The Open University ’ s repository of research publications and other research outputs Q methodology as a constructivist methodology

Following a brief discussion of the meanings of constructivism an argument is made to the effect that Q methodology is a constructivist methodology in a sense that is compatible with the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead. A brief comparison of the ideas of Stephenson and Whitehead is followed by a section outlining Whitehead’s notion of the ‘event’ or ‘actual occasion’ as the core of a radically constructivist approach to nature. It is argued that a comparable conception of the event is at play in Stephenson’s conception of Q methodology, and that this is key to understanding the quantum theoretical aspects of Q. Some of the procedures of Q methodology are then ‘interpreted’ in the light of this conception. The conclusion shows the relationship between the experience / expression aspects of an actual occasion and William James’ distinction between transitive and substantive thought. Introduction: constructing constructivism Why am I so upset? (Stephenson, 2005 : 114). In approaching the concept of constructivism, it seems to me that William Stephenson would take the view that if we are to avoid entering into fruitless discussion at crosspurposes, it would be wise to recognise that the meaning of ‘constructivism’ has first to be ‘constructed’. On its own the word is a mere pattern of ink on paper, or a momentary flicker of air-born sound. One can find it written and defined in a dictionary, for sure, but the word acquires living importance only as a more or less carefully wrought concept that