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Rhoads presents research, conducts workshop on Q methodology

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Posted on Wednesday, September 25, 2019

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Dr. James C. Rhoads, professor of political science, conducted a workshop and presented his research at the 35th annual meeting of the International Society for the Scientific Study of Subjectivity, held at the University of Naples Federico II in Naples, Italy, Sept. 18-20.

Rhoads co-conducted the “Introduction to Q Methodology” workshop with his colleague, Dr. Susan Ramlo of the University of Akron. Roughly 20 doctoral students from around the globe were enrolled in the workshop which covered the fundamental steps in conducting research using Q methodology, a research method used in psychology and the social sciences to study people’s subjectivity.

Rhoads also presented, “Thirty Years After Roger & Me: Subjective Understandings of a Political Film,” which examined reaction to Michael Moore’s iconic film using Q methodology. The study found three distinct viewpoints concerning the film, which details the devastating impact of globalization on Moore’s hometown of Flint, Michigan, as General Motors closes plants there and opens up new plants in Mexico.

Rhoads, who joined the Westminster College faculty in 1992, is the current president of the society. His term ends in fall 2020.

The venue for the conference was the Complesso dei Santi Marcellino e Festo, a former convent that dates back to the 17th century. The 36th annual meeting will be held next September in Orlando, Florida.