Using Q Methodology to Harness Dyslexic Strengths for a Doctoral Study

Abstract

This article presents an argument for considering the strengths of the cognitive processing style of the dyslexic brain when choosing a research methodology. I use my doctoral research, which used Q methodology (Q) to explore views on coach development as a case study to discuss this issue. I suggest that Q is a dyslexic brain-friendly methodology as it requires holistic and divergent thinking and offers opportunities for intuitive reasoning, which are core strengths of an individual with dyslexia. In doing so, I aim to demystify Q and make it more accessible to novice neurodiverse or neurotypical coaching researchers.

Keywords

• dyslexic strengths
• dyslexia
• q methodology
• neurodiversity
• coach development