Q-metodologia politiikan tutkimuksessa: esimerkkinä EU:n pohjoisen ulottuvuuden asiantuntijakeskustelu

Kirjoittajat

• Pami Aalto

Abstrakti

The article outlines the importance of Q methodology in political science by introducing an example of the expert debate on the EU’s Northern Dimension among a small group of Finnish scholars. Today, regardless of its background in factor analysis and behavioral psychology, Q methodology is gaining increasing popularity in qualitative social science research due to its hybrid nature that mixes elements commonly associated with both quantitative and qualitative research. However, Q methodology has been notably absent in Finnish and Nordic political science and international relations research, although it is highly suitable to any field of research in which human subjectivity is deemed important, such as research on elites, political psychology, decision-making, attitudes and conflict. The article discusses the main concepts and practical application of Q methodology in the context of the Northern Dimension example. It emerges that although the Northern Dimension debate among the studied group of Finnish experts is highly consensual, there are also important differences as to what extent the Northern Dimension should be criticised for its achievements in promoting Finnish or other interests in the EU and for its lack of institutionalisation and material outcomes. On the basis of this illustrative example, the article concludes by identifying further applications of Q methodology in the study of the Northern Dimension.