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Mixed Methods for Research in Public Health

Prerequisite:

A basic knowledge of research design and a background in mental health/behavioral research will be the primary prerequisites. Our approach is applicable to investigators trained in quantitative methods (e.g., epidemiology or psychology, MPH students) who wish to be introduced to mixed methods research, as well as to others with a qualitative orientation to the social sciences (anthropology, sociology) may also benefit from this introductory course.

Description:

Reliance on a single methodological stance is no longer tenable in an increasingly complex multicultural and interdisciplinary context, or in the translation and implementation of population and behavioral research to broader applications and conditions. An increase in proposals submitted to NIH using mixed methods reflects the growing awareness of the importance of this approach in addressing population and behavioral health. This course is an introduction to mixed methods and provides an opportunity to get feedback on student ideas through proposal or manuscript development, or review of the use of mixed methods in your field.

Introduces students to the field of mixed methods research, which can be thought of as research in which investigators combine quantitative and qualitative research techniques, methods, approaches, concepts or language into a single study or program of research. Focuses on applications in mental health services research. Acquaints student with the logic of inquiry, which includes the use of induction (discovery of patterns), deduction (testing theories and hypotheses), and abduction (uncovering and relying on the best of a set of explanations for understanding results). Explores which questions lend themselves to mixed methods research. Discusses mixed designs and methods, and writing. Students critique mixed methods manuscripts and proposals, and can outline a mixed methods study based on their own program of research.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. summarize the core characteristics of mixed methods research applied to mental health services research
2. conceptualize existing mixed methods design typologies on a continuum from basic to complex (the QUAL-MM-QUAN continuum) as applied to mental health services research
3. present similarities and differences in the concepts of measurement, validity and credibility; and in the concepts of reliability and dependability as applied to mental health
4. describe the procedures for ensuring the quality of data when conducting mental health services research
5. discuss analysis strategies for mixed methods mental health services research design
6. read a mixed methods research article relevant to mental health services research and pick out the important quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods components
7. discuss the construction of mixed methods proposals and research programs in mental health services research
8. discuss the strategies for publication and funding of mixed methods mental health services research

Methods of Assessment:

This course is evaluated as follows:

• 50% Participation
• 50% Project(s)

Instructor Consent:

No consent required

Special Comments:

Students are required to complete the required Introduction to Online Learning module before taking the class.