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Mixed Methods for Health Research

Overview

The capability to use mixed methods appropriately has become vital for health-related research, whether undertaken as part of postgraduate study or within the healthcare setting.

This set of two integrated 10 CAT modules aim to introduce participants to mixed (qualitative and quantitative) research methodologies. They provide participants with the knowledge, understanding and research skills necessary to put mixed methods into practice, both for evidence review and empirical studies, through from design to implementation.

The modules are designed for those who have some experience or knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research methods in health research. It is suitable for PhD students, research active/interested health and social care professionals as well as more experienced researchers wishing to expand their skill set. The course is as an accredited course leading to a University of Warwick Postgraduate Award (PGA Qualification), 20 CATs, when both modules are undertaken.

Key Facts

Contact:

Melissa Parkes / Cheryl Grantham / Nicky Tiwana

Module Leads: Dr. Sagar Jilka / Corinna Clark

Duration: 30 hours

CATS: 20

Code: MH943 & MH944

Funding Opportunities

Fees

How to apply


Information for ESRC-funded students who are required to study Mixed Methods as part of their degree can be foundhere.

Module content

The modules are structured around two overarching themes:

1) Mixed Methods Design (10 CATs): this module covers the core principles of mixed methods research, mixed methods research designs, real life examples of research projects with different designs, and gives participants the opportunity to develop their own mixed methods research question/s and project under the supervision of the module leads.


2) Mixed Methods Analysis and Integration (10 CATs):this module introduces students to the principles of mixed methods analysis, focusing on transformation, synthesis and integration, before moving on to demonstrate commonly used analysis techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to work with real mixed methods research data to practise these techniques, and will also be allocated time to develop their own mixed methods analysis plan, tailored to their project and supported by module leaders.

The two core themes are taught within separate modules (2 days each), running several weeks apart andeach associated with a different 10 CAT assessment. Health Research MSc students taking mixed methods as a core option module are required to undertakebothMixed Methods Design and Mixed Methods Analysis and Integration. However, ESRC, external or other interested participants may take one, or both modules, as required. As the course is as an accredited course, taking both modules leads to a University of Warwick Postgraduate Award (PGA Qualification), 20 CATs.

Students undertaking this course are required to have successfully completed at least one module on quantitative research methods related to health (for example, Epidemiology and Statistics) one module on qualitative research methods related to health (for example, Qualitative Research Methods in Health) or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience (for example, published a research paper using one of the research approaches). If you are unsure whether your experience meets the requirements to undertake this course, please contact the module leads directly to discuss.

We generally advise students to undertake Mixed Methods Design before Mixed Methods Analysis and Integration, particularly those who are new to mixed methods research. However, please contact the module leads to discuss your particular learning needs if you wish to undertake Mixed Methods Analysis and Integration as a standalone 10 CAT module.

Assessment

  • Oral presentation of 10 minutes to be submitted 6 weeks after completion of taught sessions for Mixed Methods Design MH943.
  • 1500 word written assignment to be submitted 6 weeks after completion of taught sessions for Mixed Methods Analysis and Integration MH944.

Study options

  • This is a core option module on theMSc in Health Research
  • MSc not for you? Take this module as a Postgraduate Award. Contact us for more information.

Module dates

Mixed Methods Design- 04/03/2024

Mixed Methods Analysis and Integration- 13/05/2024

Application Deadline: 22/01/2024

Teaching scheduled is provisional and may change. It is therefore advised that you check individual module pages in advance of teaching.

Information for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded students

Students who are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) are required to take 10 CATS of Mixed Methods as part of their degree. We have split the above course into the two 10-CAT modules below and you will need to choose one of these courses to study.

Mixed Methods Design (MH943-10) - 10 CATS
This module aims to introduce students to the mixed methods paradigm of enquiry and highlights both the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting this approach.

Mixed Methods Analysis and Integration (MH944-10) - 10 CATS
This module aims to introduce students to the core principles of mixed methods analysis, commonly used analysis techniques and the opportunities and challenges associated with analysing qualitative, quantitative and mixed data to answer a single research question.