Qualitative and Mixed Method Research, University of California San Francisco

Overview

This course provides training in the use of qualitative and mixed methods, with a particular emphasis on the role of qualitative or open-ended inquiry in clinical, health services and implementation research. Through readings, lectures, case studies, and online discussions, students will gain basic skills in conducting interviews, focus groups, and observations, qualitative and mixed methods data analysis, and innovative approaches such as rapid ethnography and joint display of qualitative and quantitative findings. The course will also cover philosophical foundations, theoretical frameworks, study design, and key methodological topics including sampling, generalization, and validity.

Audience

The audience for this course includes: clinicians, public health practitioners and researchers seeking to gain basic knowledge and skills in qualitative and mixed methods. The course may be particularly useful for researchers and practitioners seeking introductory training in qualitative methodologies and guidance on how to incorporate them in predominantly quantitative projects.

At the end of the course, trainees will be able to:

• Design and plan a qualitative or mixed methods research project.
• Describe the uses, advantages and disadvantages of semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observation.
• Develop an interview and focus group guide.
• Engage in collaborative qualitative data analysis.
• Critically evaluate the use of methodological paradigms and theoretical models to inform qualitative and mixed methods implementation research.
• Understand techniques for qualitative and quantitative data integration and linking.
• Explain why open-ended inquiry is an essential component of all implementation research.

Course Requirements

Trainees are expected to watch all assigned videos; complete assigned readings; complete homework assignments; participate in weekly online forums including providing feedback to peers; submit a final project; and complete course evaluations. Homework assignments will be oriented toward the practical application of course content and development of a qualitative or mixed methods research plan. Students will submit a 5-7 page plan for a research project or health program that incorporates qualitative or mixed methods.

Completing this course will take an estimated 6-8 hours of work per module.

Students who do not turn in weekly assignments on time or do not provide required feedback to peers in more than two weeks will have the option of auditing or dropping the course. In either case, course fees will not be refunded.

The deadline for registration and payment is December 1. Space is limited, so we encourage early registration in order to avoid being waitlisted when courses are full.

For more information and to register, view the course website.