About QSORT
QSORT is a Q-methodological sorting tool developed within the STRATEGIOS programme at the University of Gothenburg.
What QSORT does
QSORT collects Q-sorts – structured perspective mappings in which participants sort statements according to how well each matches their own view. The tool is built for use as pre-work before workshops and as data for research on strategic work in the Swedish public sector.
The platform handles the participant experience from welcome page to completed sort. Data is exported in formats compatible with standard Q-methodology analysis tools (KADE, PQMethod).
When the tool is used
Before a workshop where a group is going to discuss a complex topic, the facilitator can have participants complete a Q-sort in advance. Factor analysis reveals which perspective types exist in the group before the meeting begins, making the workshop more focused – discussion starts from real differences, not assumptions.
For STRATEGIOS researchers the tool is a way to collect Q-data on strategic questions from large, distributed groups of respondents across the Swedish public sector.
Anonymity and data protection
All sorts are anonymous. No IP address, no names, no e-mail addresses, no tracking cookies – only sorting data, optional text comments, and free demographic fields (organisation type, role). No data can be linked back to an individual participant.
Information is stored on Swedish data centres (Oderland) and used only within the STRATEGIOS research programme – never for commercial purposes such as marketing or sales.
Research
When a participant gives research consent their sort may be included in published studies. Results are always presented in aggregate form – as factor descriptions, not individual responses. Individual comments are used only as anonymous quotes.
Participation is voluntary and consent can be withdrawn by contacting the researcher below.
Contact
Principal researcher: Kristian Norling, doctoral candidate at the University of Gothenburg.