| Title: |
Qualitative and Mixed Methods in International Health Research (QMM) |
| Keywords: |
Research
Quantitative methods
Qualitative methods
International/Global Health
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| Country: |
Belgium
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| Institution: |
Belgium - Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine
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| Course coordinator: |
Prof. Koen Peeters
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| Date start: |
2024-01-29 |
| Date end: |
2024-02-23 |
| About duration and dates: |
4 weeks |
| Classification: |
advanced optional
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| Mode of delivery: |
Field trip
Face to face
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Course location:
Either at Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerpen or at a collaborating non-Belgian research institute. |
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| ECTS credit points: |
6 ECTS credits
|
SIT:
180 hours:
92 contact hours
30 hours of field work (group work)
58 hours of self-study (group and individual work) |
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| Language: |
English
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Description:
At the end of the course the participants should be able to:
1. Design research strategies appropriate for specific research questions, health problems, and socio-cultural settings using qualitative and mixed methods designs.
2. Relate and apply theoretical concepts and models to address research questions, and infer methodological implications.
3. Conduct basic qualitative research independently, including data collection, theory-based data analysis, and presentation of results.
4. Critically assess the quality of qualitative and mixed methods designs as applied in international health research and shared in peer-reviewed articles, protocols or research reports. |
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Assessment Procedures:
Participants are assessed:
(1) In a maximum 3 hour written exam based on essay questions that invite students to consider practical applications of the course content (50% of total mark).
(2) On the field work (50% of total mark), including Nvivo database and coding; weekly analytical reports; and data collected.
Students can receive oral or written feedback on the final evaluation of the fieldwork documents when requested. Students can receive oral or written feedback on their exams.
Re-sits for the written exam are organized at the ITM or at collaborating institutes depending on the place of residence of the student. |
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Content:
The course consists of a combination of two related modules that provide directly applicable and integrated tools for research.
1. Module 1: Qualitative Research Methods (two weeks)
a. Research methods
● Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches compared.
b. Structural characteristics of qualitative research
● Formality and structure
● Field work
● Quality, validity, applicability, comparability and transferability of results
● Ethical considerations in qualitative research
c. Theoretical frameworks and models relevant for public health research and interventions‘ design
● Socio-ecological thinking
● Basic concepts that are directly applicable in international health research such as cultural diversity, heterogeneity, beliefs, community, ethnicity, mobility, stigma and social exclusion, access to care, medical pluralism, social vulnerability, and adherence are included across lectures.
● Theories and models applicable at individual and. Interpersonal levels: Health Belief Model, Stages of Change Thery, Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory
● Theories and models applicable at c ommunity levels: Social Network Theory, PASS Model, Therapy Management Group.
● Emerging explanatory models for health seeking itineraries, access to care, adoption of interventions, among others.
d. Qualitative data collection techniques
● Observational methods (Participant observation)
● Interviewing (from informal conversations to formal in-depth interviews)
● Group discussions (informal group discussions; focus group discussions—FGD)
● Digital ethnography
e. Qualitative research methodology
● Basic concepts: triangulation, iteration, flexibility of the research process
● Sampling strategies: The logic and application of qualitative sampling techniques (non-probability sampling; purposive, theoretical and snow-ball sampling)
● Saturation
f. Data analysis
● Sequential, interim, inductive, deductive and abductive analysis
● Context, content and thematic analysis and coding
● Grounded theory: applicability and limitations for health research
● Qualitative Data Analysis software: NVivo (QSR International)
g. Reporting
● Quality criteria for reporting qualitative research
● Challenges and pitfalls
● Guidance and tools
2. Module 2: Mixed Method Approaches (One and a half week)
a. Introduction to mixed methods
● Mixed methods designs
● Examples of application of mixed methods designs in international research
● Combining and alternating quantitative and qualitative research methods to enhance the strengths of the respective methods
● Triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data
b. Data quality in survey research
● The generation of questionnaires: quality requirements
● How and when to use standard questionnaires in different cultural contexts: possibilities and limitations
c. The preparation of survey questionnaires
● The use of qualitative research to prepare and fine tune questionnaires |
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Methods:
This course is imparted in a face-to-face format under problem and solution-oriented learning methods. It combines interactive lectures on methodology and theory with practical small group tutorials. Lectures and group work are facilitated by researchers from ITM and partner institutions with extensive experience in study designs, data collection, analysis, empirical ethics, and theory driven in international research settings .
During the first week, students explore the theoretical foundations of qualitative and mixed methods designs. Interactive teaching and learning activities are organised in the mornings to be combined with preparations for field work in the afternoon.
Week two to week four of the course combine interactive lectures with tutorials and applied fieldwork around three pre-defined different research topics explored in small groups ( topics will be provided tot he students). Field work is assessed through individual and group work. Individual work consists of in-depth interviews (week 2), participant observations (week 3), informal conversations (week 3) and a short survey (week 4). Course participants are encouraged to compare and discuss their findings in their own groups, reflecting on how the data collected helps to answer the research question at hand. Each assignment is submitted with an accompanying reflection and analytical memo. A written summary of the results and a group analytical memo (designed to capture the group’s methodological and analytical processes behind the results) is submitted by week 4. A presentation of results takes place during the last day of the course.
During fieldwork, students work under the supervision of a tutor who provides feedback and technical assistance. In addition, field work has been designed to coincide with in class lectures to facilitate application of concepts and guide progress on a weekly basis.
Participants are assessed in individual and group assignments:
a. Individual written exam based on essay questions that require students to apply concepts and methods taught (40% of total mark).
b. Field work (60% of total mark) is assessed through transcripts, summaries, and memos of interviews, participant observation, informal conversations, and survey design. Students are also required to code, synthesize, and write up preliminary analyses of the data collected. Proof of these tasks is submitted for evaluation.
Evaluation criteria for the assignments include richness of information, application of research skills discussed for each data collection method, ethical and analytical insights, as well as reflections on positionality and reflexivity.Students receive oral or written feedback on their assignments during the course. Marking is on x/20 and 10/20 is the pass mark. Re-sits for the written exam are organized at the ITM or administered online depending on the place of residence of the student within six months after completion of the course. |
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Prerequisites:
This course has been designed for an international audience of researchers, professionals and students involved in decision-making around research design and data collection in international health. Admission criteria are:
● A university degree in health or social sciences of 240 credits
● Proficiency in the course language: the minimum language requirements are proof of a TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score of 79-93, an IELTS score of 6.5 or other qualifying evidence of an English CEFR level of B2-C1 meaning a higher tier B2 or C1. A higher tier B2 will generally mean a B2 on all components of language proficiency and would have to be evidenced (ITM Toefl Code = 7727).
Native English speakers are exempt from these language requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English are exempt if they have successfully completed a higher education programme of at least 60 ECTS credits taught in English or have a higher education diploma from a Flemish Community higher education institution.
● Possibility and necessity to use qualitative and mixed methods in research, study or work context as stated in the student’s motivation letter.
● This course does not look in depth into quantitative data analysis. Basic knowledge on the fundamental tenets of quantitative research is desirable. |
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Attendance:
Min. number of students: 12
Max. number of students: 24 (maximum 4 TropEd students/year) |
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Fees:
816 € for students from the European Economic Area (EEA) and 2160 € for non-EEA students |
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Scholarships:
Limited number of scholarships available for participants from partner countries of the Belgian Directorate General for Development cooperation (DGD). See www.itg.be > education > scholarships |
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Major changes since initial accreditation:
A session on ‘Qualitative research reporting” was introduced in 2023 as response to an expressed interest from students in previous years to understand the publication process. This session concludes the third week of the course, currently focused on data analysis.
A complete summary of assignments was introduced in 2023 to be distributed to students and lecturers. This document aims to increase coherence and coordination across fieldwork related assignments. A full description of purpose, learning objectives, submission procedures, and grading criteria is provided for each assignment.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 course was fully imparted online, while the 2022 version allowed partial online participation for students going through isolation periods. Given the increasing use of digital communication platforms during this period, a session on “Digital Ethnography” was included during both years. Also due to the mandatory quarantine period required for international visitors in Belgium, the course was extended to 5 weeks for the editions of 2022 and 2023. This measure facilitated coordination of field activities for students but demonstrated to be burdensome for many of them. After consultation with Education officers at ITM, a decision has been made to go back to the four-week scheme. |
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Student evaluation:
From the 2023 edition, 42% oft he students reported very high satisfaction with the content oft he course, while 35% mentioned high satisfaction. Around 63% stated very high or high satisfaction with the methodological approach; 92% reported very high, high or satisfied in relation tot he development of transversal skills (decision-making, intercultural competencies, communication, critical thinking). Comments from the most recent offering of the course include:
“I liked the tutor and student engagement activity and tutors being involved with the students is really a positive strength of the course. Feedback was really critical - I endorse it strongly”
“I liked the diversity of the teachers and also hearing about their academic experiences. I was also very happy that most of the lectures were in person, and not online.”
“Working in the team and weekly tutor meeting stimulated my learning. Talking and sharing experiences with the other students, you learn about differences and similarities of doing research in different countries. People also shared different views on the world and their customs.”
“We were a group from 12 different nations who came together to learn qualitative and mixed method research. Many of us were very new to it while some of them were experts. It was great to learn from everyone. For e.g. I learnt about the MindView Map and have been using it since for my project now. This was not taught in the classes, but I learnt it from my group member.”
“The teachers from various institutions brought excellent knowledge and perspectives based on their previous and ongoing works. Interdisciplinary group participants with from various research backgrounds and varied level of knowledge and expertise, help learning among participants. Field work groups members also offered excellent mix to complete the project.” |
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Lessons learned:
The applied aspect of QMM has been considered an important asset of the course. Although it often translates into high workload for students and teaching staff, it provides possibilities for applying in-class concepts, while getting a critical perspective on the methods. Students are closely supervised and coached by fieldwork tutors (ITM or partner institutions research staff) who address emerging questions both for individual students and groups.
Currently, the QMM is the only course at the ITM that relocates to one of our partners in the Global South (2016 MRC, the Gambia; 2018 NIMPE, Vietnam; 2023 MRC, the Gambia).The course has trained over 200 students from over 40 countries, has led to a QMM spin-off in Cuba (Instituto Pedro Kourí) that we will further develop over the next years. It has also led Ministries of Health and foreign institutes to continually request to host or duplicate the course (e.g. Philippines MoH and Nagasaki University). The evaluation of the teachers and students regarding offering the course in settings different to Belgium has been very positive. Lecturers involved have also considered that having the QMM in the Gambia and Vietnam has added value around two aspects:
1. Field setting for field work closer to reality of a global health context
2. Better and closer contact with the students due to the fact that we are all in a different setting.
Finally, QMM builds capacity in students from Low- and Middle-income countries. The relocation of the QMM to partner institutes and the prioritization of the participation of students from these countries contributes to local capacity strengthening. In addition, by attracting local staff, PhD students and health professionals from different locations and backgrounds, the course has become a scenario of exchange for diverse perspectives and settings. The course has also allowed us to initiate and strengthen long-standing collaborations with external researchers and institutions, build capacity and attract talent to the Socio-Ecological Health Research Unit (SEHR) core group in Antwerp, as well as strengthen our collaboration with the Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Group, co-organizers of the course, at ITM. |
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tropEd accreditation:
Accredited in May 2012 and re-accredited in June 2017 and July 2023. This accreditation is valid until July 2028. |
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Remarks:
A thorough understanding of human behaviour and its interactions with the socio-cultural context is a key aspect of international health research. Qualitative research provides a means to getting insights into unquantifiable facts and gain in-depth understanding of the settings where international health efforts take place. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods in mixed-method designs enhances the strengths of each research method by providing tools to answer research questions that cannot be investigated by one of these methods alone.
With a combination of theoretical knowledge and methodological skills, this short course targets an international audience of researchers, practitioners, and students involved in decision-making around research design and data collection in international health. Participants have multiple opportunities to share experiences from their own settings and benefit from the exchange from diverse perspectives and backgrounds. |
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| Email Address: |
bbroucker@itg.be |
| Date Of Record Creation: |
2012-05-05 09:17:34 (W3C-DTF) |
| Date Of Record Release: |
2012-05-05 15:26:43 (W3C-DTF) |
| Date Record Checked: |
2017-07-20 (W3C-DTF) |
| Date Last Modified: |
2023-07-17 12:39:11 (W3C-DTF) |
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