Qualitative, Mixed, and Participatory Research Methods (IEHC0065)

This module aims to give you qualitative, mixed-methods and participatory research skills that can be applied in public health practice.

Qualitative research involves collecting, analysing and interpreting non-numerical data such as audio, video, text and visual images.  Mixed-methods research is the collecting, analysing, interpreting and synthesising of both qualitative and quantitative data in a study. Mixed methods research is increasingly used within public health research and evaluation and in randomised controlled trials. Mixed methods are particularly useful when examining complex social phenomena such as attitudes, experiences and behaviour. Participatory research approaches are those in which knowledge is produced by affected communities in partnership with researchers.  

This module will introduce you to the principles of qualitative and mixed methods approaches (including what they are and why you might want to use these approaches), as well as equipping you with practical skills (including interviewing, facilitating a focus group, qualitative data analysis and data integration).  You will also learn the principles of literature review and quality appraisal of both qualitative and mixed-methods studies, as well as learning how to design and conduct participatory research. The assignment is to design and write your own research protocol with a formative presentation to give you feedback and guidance. The module is highly participatory, with small and large group discussions, and practical sessions facilitated by expert tutors.  Interdisciplinary examples from high-, middle-, and low-income countries will be used to illustrate core methods and facilitate your learning.

Aims of the module

The overall aim of the module is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to design, conduct, analyse, report and critically appraise qualitative, mixed methods and participatory research projects.