qualitative or field interview an interview in which the researcher is a participant in a conversation with the subject being interviewed

qualitative research methods research in which emphasis is placed on observing, describing, and interpreting people’s behaviour

quality circles refer to the involvement of rank-and-file workers in detecting and correcting defects and inefficiencies in products and services

quantitative research methods research in which emphasis is placed on precise measurement, numbers, and statistics

queer theory a growing body of knowledge that challenges an allegedly heterosexual bias in sociology

questionnaire a series of written questions a researcher supplies to subjects requesting their responses

quiet revolution the fundamental changes in society that occur as a result of vast numbers of women entering the work force