Q methodology is a research method that is used to explore how people think about a certain topic or issue. It is a way of collecting information from people about their feelings, opinions, and beliefs. It does this by asking people to rank items that relate to the topic being studied. These items are known as 'statements'. For example, a researcher might ask people to order a list of statements from least to most true for themselves. By doing this, they can find out how people think and feel about the topic. Q methodology is used to understand how different people think in different ways. It is often used in psychology, sociology, and other social sciences.