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ERIC Number: EJ1245562
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1935-9772
EISSN: N/A
Beyond Average Information: How Q-Methodology Enhances Course Evaluations in Anatomy
Brewer-Deluce, Danielle; Sharma, Bhanu; Akhtar-Danesh, Noori; Jackson, Thomas; Wainman, Bruce C.
Anatomical Sciences Education, v13 n2 p137-148 Mar-Apr 2020
Course evaluations can be used for curriculum improvement and have the potential to better the student learning experience. However, because most are based on Likert scales and open-ended feedback, understanding diversity in student opinion and uncovering optimal options for course change and improvement are often difficult. Alternatively, Q-methodology can be used to investigate patterns of thought within a group and may offer greater potential for course reform. This manuscript offers a tutorial-based explanation of the three components of Q-methodology studies (1) survey instrument development, (2) data collection, and (3) analysis and interpretation, then demonstrates, via case study, the use of Q-methodology to evaluate a fourth-year undergraduate pathoanatomy course. The goal of this article is to enable the reader to broadly apply Q-methodology in other courses to gain insight and feedback beyond that offered by traditional Likert scale methods. As demonstrated through the pathoanatomy case study, Q-methodology highlights groups (denoted by factors) of like-minded students that share opinions, preferences, and values. Overall, Q-methodology analyses support course instructors in identifying areas of course strength and improvement in an evidence-based way. This alternative to traditional Likert scales represents a promising solution to ongoing course evaluation limitations.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A