Mixed Methods
in International Healt
h Research
September 17 - 28, 2012
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Why this course ?!
Research in international health is becoming increasingly complex, requiring scientists to move away from the traditional quantitative vs. qualitative methodological dichotomy.
This traditional dichotomy has proved no longer to be the most effective in providing answers to the public health problems emerging both in high income and low and middle income countries.
Mixed methods research represents an opportunity to build on the specific strengths of quantitative and qualitative research methods to foster synergies between the two which may allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the problems at stake.
Content Overview
- Analytical appraisal of quantitative and qualitative methods as applied in different areas of research in international health
- Theory and practice of mixing quantitative & qualitative research methods: answering questions why? What? When? How?
- Controversial aspect of using mixed methods in international health research
- Personal skills development in the application of mixed methods research both in high and low and middle income countries
- Case studies of mixed methods research in the fields of malaria control, HIV/AIDS, health financing, women’s health, and clinical management
- Planning, designing, and writing an individual mixed methods research protocol suitable for grant application
- Overview of epistemology of research with an emphasis on the critical assessment of theories on how knowledge is generated and retained
Learning Objectives
Focusing on the joint application of quantitative and qualitative tools and methods, this course aims to train participants to conduct mixed methods research.This course will enable participants to:
- Appreciate the epistemology of research and its direct influence on the methodological choices in the everyday practice of research in international health;
- Identify the most common quantitative and qualitative methodological tools used in research in international health;
- Critically analyse the role and the specific contribution of quantitative and qualitative methods to research in international health;
- Assess which research questions and in which situations require the application of mixed methods research;
- Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in class to develop and carry out an individual research protocol using a mixed methods approach.
Learning Methods
The course uses a mixture of conceptual teaching and case studies from the field to illustrate the role of mixed methodology and instruct participants on its applicability in international health research both in high and low and middle income countries.
The course is composed of a series of lectures, class discussions, group exercises, self-directed learning, and individual tutoring. Participants will work individually and in groups of 4-6 students. Students will be divided in groups of max 5 people with similar interests and/or areas of focus.
Individual tutoring on their own research protocol will be delivered by one of the lecturers within these pre-established groups. This arrangement will allow both the lecturer and the peers to comment and offer feedback already during the proposal development phase.
Assessment Methods
Assessment of participants’ achievement of the learning objectives will be determined by:
- Group presentation on selected case studies: 30%
- Individual written research proposal to be delivered at the end of the course: 70%
Duration /Accreditation
- 2 weeks / 90 hours (75 contact hours, 15 self study hours);
- Full time attendance required.
- 3 ECTS (tropEd Master)
Target Group and Prerequisites
Graduate students at an advanced master level, doctoral students, tropEd students, junior and senior researchers, and consultants actively engaged in research activities.
The course is held in English. Fluency in English (reading, speaking, and writing) is a prerequisite for the course.
To secure the good quality of the individual tutoring, participation is limited to 12-15 students. Interested participants are required to submit a one page research outline describing the basic research idea (including research question, justification, and methodology) which they wish to develop into a research protocol during the course. Students will be selected for participation on the basis of this initial research outline.
tropEd students are not allowed to submit as a research outline the same concept developed for their master thesis.
Contact Registration
Nandita Rothermund, M.A.
Short Courses in International Health
Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg
Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120 Heidelberg
Fon: + 49 - (0) 62 21 - 56 46 48 (Mo-Fri 09-13)
Fax: + 49 - (0) 62 21 - 56 49 18
short.courses@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
Course Coordinators
- Dr. Malabika Sarker
Institute of Public Health
- Dr. Manuela De Allegri
Institute of Public Health
If you have content specific questions, please contact Nandita Rothermund, she will forward it to the coordinators.
Short Courses Programme Coordinator
tropEd Coordinator
Natascha Petersen, M.A.
Institute of Public Health
Fon: + 49 - (0) 62 21 - 56 50 48
petersen@uni-hd.de
Course Fee and Registration
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Course Fee - in 2012
- General Admittance € 1.500,-;
- tropEd students € 750,-.
- HD doctoral students € 750,-
Please register as soon as possible as the number of participants is limited.
A non-refundable registration fee of € 200, which will be credited towards the tuition fee, is due no later than 8 weeks prior to the start of the course. The remaining tuition fee is due not later than 6 weeks prior to the start of the course. Unfortunately, no Scholarships are available. If the participant withdraws from the course
- less than 6 weeks prior: 25 % of the course fee will be charged.
- less than 4 weeks prior: 50 % of the course fee will be charged.
- less than 2 weeks prior: the whole course fee will be charged.
The tuition fee covers coursework and printed materials and a bi-weekly pass for the Heidelberg public transportation system, but does not include accommodation, insurance or other personal living costs during the stay.
