Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Methods: Introduction and Overview

Duration: 40 hours (5 days)

Number of Participants: 15-20

Pre-requisite: Master’s degree in social science or any other relevant discipline. Background in social science research will be an asset.

Instructors:

Prof. William G. Axinn, Research Professor, University of Michigan

Dr. Dirgha Ghimire, Research Associate Professor, University of Michigan  

Ms. Indra Chaudhary, Study Manager, ISER-N

Course Description

In this course, participants will review multiple methods of data collection and study approaches for combining multiple methods within a single research project. The course focuses on the integration of survey methods with multiple alternative methods to achieve a single data collection approach using the strengths of some methods to compensate for weaknesses in other methods. The methods of focus will be unstructured or in-depth interviews, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, participant observation, archival research, survey interviews, and hybrid methods. Emphasis will be placed on the specific contribution of each different method, as well as the use of combined methods to advance specific research questions. This course is designed for those with a specific causal research question in mind. Throughout the course, participants will be asked to design multi-method approaches to a research question of their choice. By the end of this course, participants will have an overview of multi-method research that will enable them to design, understand, and evaluate multi-method approaches within a single project.

This inter active course uses a combination of lecture, in-class exercises, group exercises and individual participation. Individual consultation will be provided to assist participants with the assignments leading to a grant proposal. Assignments throughout the week should be emailed or handed in a shard copy the day they are due. Feedback will be provided in a timely manner to aid in future assignments.

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

  • Understand a mixed methods approach to data collection.
  • Be able to design and apply multi-method approaches within a single project.