Call for Abstracts

1st Symposium "Q Down Under" 

30 November-1 December 2023

RMIT University, Melbourne

The Melbourne-based Q research group invites abstract submissions for face-to-face or remote Zoom presentations, and poster sessions from established scholars, early career researchers, postgraduate students, and Q methodology practitioners for the 1st Symposium "Q Down Under", to be held on November 30 & December 1 2023 at RMIT University, Melbourne. The event is generously supported by the School of Property, Construction, and Project Management at RMIT University.

Q methodology presents a theoretical framework and a statistical technique for the objective study of subjectivity. Developed by William Stephenson in the 1930s, Q methodology uses factor analysis to unveil differences and similarities regarding psychological phenomena, and it is a research methodology now used in many research fields, from the Humanities to the Social Sciences, from Education to Medicine and Engineering. Q methodology is a technique used to make discoveries and generate research hypotheses focusing on individuals and their surrounding environment, and it can be deployed in any situation where researchers are interested in exploring people’s perspectives, opinions, and points of view regarding a given issue.

On day 1 (November 30, afternoon 1pm-5pm) the event will feature a workshop on how to conduct research using Q methodology, followed by a panel discussion on how Q methodology can be applied to different research contexts. Day 2 (December 1, all day, 9am-5pm) will feature presentations and poster sessions.

The organisers will waive the symposium fees for all registered participants. 

Confirmed speakers

Prof. Steven Brown (Kent State University) will conduct the workshop on day 1 (Nov 30). [remote presentation]

Prof. Joseph Lo Bianco (University of Melbourne) will deliver the keynote address on day 2 (Dec 1).

Key Dates

Abstract submission deadline: August 25, 2023 (deadline extended!).

Notification of abstract proposal acceptance: September 20, 2023.

Deadline for submission of updated abstract (if applicabale, not mandatory): November 15, 2023.

Introduction to Q workshop & Q research application panel: November 30, 2023 (1pm-5pm).

Individual presentations and poster session: December 1, 2023 (9am-5pm). 

Submission of proposals and participant application

Details on how to submit an abstract can be found in the abstract submission form.