This course covers general principles of mixed methods research designs through readings, lectures, case studies, and online discussion. Trainees are oriented to diverse mixed methods designs and strategies for integrating quantitative and qualitative study components, application of theoretical frameworks, benefits and challenges of mixed methods research, and key design and methodological considerations. They gain hands-on experience by designing and planning a mixed-methods research project.
At the end of the course, trainees will be able to:
- Explain general principles and concepts of mixed methods research, including what mixed methods are (and are not), as well as their benefits and challenges.
- Describe basic and advanced mixed methods designs, key considerations for design selection, and strategies for integrating quantitative and qualitative study components for different types of research questions.
- Apply key methodological considerations in qualitative and mixed methods research, including sampling, recruitment, and data collection sequencing.
- Demonstrate how to practically implement a mixed-methods research project through planning an individual project, which includes: formulating mixed-methods research questions, identifying relevant collaborators, choosing an appropriate mixed-methods design, identifying potential implementation challenges, communicating the mixed-methods design, applying mixed-methods strategies for the measurement of key domains across common implementation science theories, models, and frameworks, and developing a plan for analysis and joint display.
- Critically evaluate the validity and quality of mixed methods research.
Audience
Implementation Science certificate students, Masters, and PhD students in DEB. It is also open to PhD and Masters students in global health and other departments and schools as well as any other interested residents, fellows, staff, public health practitioners, policymakers, consultants, etc. The course is open to both domestic and global learners.
Course Prerequisites
- At least one introductory qualitative methods course and one prior quantitative methods course are strongly recommended. If the trainee has no experience with qualitative methods, we recommend completing IMS 267 Qualitative Methods prior to this course. If no prior quantitative methods experience, completing any quantitative methods course at UCSF should suffice, e.g., BIOSTAT 200 Biostatistical Methods for Clinical Research I.
- Identification of a mixed-methods research question of interest. This can include a real or imaginary project.
Format
The course is taught entirely remotely with synchronous and asynchronous components. This is a high-touch learning environment where small groups of learners receive weekly instructor feedback. Trainees engage in peer-to-peer interactions throughout. The course spans 11 weeks. Following a one-week course orientation are 10 weekly instructional modules. Trainees submit a final 2-to-3-page document for a research project or manuscript using mixed methods. This document is a summary of the project developed over the quarter that incorporates feedback on the prior versions.
Course Requirements
Trainees are expected to view the video lectures, complete assigned readings and assignments, constructively critique other students' assignments via online forums, submit a final project, and complete course evaluations.
Completing this course will take an estimated 6 hours of work per module.