410.711.01
Doctoral Seminar in Mixed Methods for Public Health Research

Prerequisite:

At least one of the following qualitative research methods courses: 410.710, 410.690, 224.690. And at least one course in quantitative research design and analysis.

Description:

Introduces doctoral students to emerging discussions and interdisciplinary applications of mixed methods research in public health. Explores mixed methods as a third research paradigm that involves the utilization of both quantitative and qualitative methods within a single inquiry to enhance the researcher's ability to understand the problem at hand. Fosters synthesis of and engaged reflection on qualitative and quantitative research training. Specific topics include: history and language of mixed methods research; relevant paradigms and epistemological debates; mixed methods design and research questions; and analysis and dissemination considerations.

Learning Objectives:

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

1. Interpret and use the language of mixed methods alongside the terminology of qualitative and quantitative designs
2. Explain the paradigms that have informed the development of mixed methods research and to assess how those paradigms might influence the student’s own work
3. Discuss the philosophical aspects of a variety of research approaches as a means to enhance their development as independent researchers
4. Demonstrate an understanding of several typologies of mixed methods research
5. Choose an appropriate mixed-methods design and analytic strategy to address a relevant public health problem
6. Identify and understand relevant resources in the academic literature in order to continue learning new ideas and approaches for mixed methods research
7. Apply mixed methods to an idea of professional interest and to develop a mixed methods research proposal related to that idea

Methods of Assessment:

Weekly analysis of readings; discussant preparation for small-group assignment; annotated outline of research proposal involving application of a mixed methods approach to student research question of interest; class participation.

Enrollment Restriction:

See consent note.

Instructor Consent:

Consent required for some students

Consent Note:

Postdoctoral and doctoral students who have not fulfilled these specific requirements, as well as master’s students who have taken the prerequisite courses, should contact the instructor for permission to register.

For consent, contact:

dgerman@jhsph.edu

Special Comments:

Weekly half-page written reflection on the relevance of the readings for the development of the student’s future research; preparation as discussant for one class period (small group assignment); annotated outline of the content of a research proposal involving the application of a mixed methods approach to a research question of interest to the student; and class participation.