About the Program

We nationally recruit 14 investigators (called Scholars) in each cohort representing diverse interests in the health sciences and including individuals representing underrepresented minorities. Scholars participate in a 3-day training program supplemented with other activities.  An evaluation of the program has been reported in 3 publications led by Dr. Tim Guetterman.

We administer a baseline assessment of their quantitative and qualitative entering skills and experience with mixed methods (as evidenced by workshops, mentoring, resources, collaborations).  The assessment instrument was described in J Contin Educ Health Prof. 2017 Spring;37(2):76-82.  We match them with resource consultants across the United States who have (a) a background in consulting or directing NIH-funded projects in the research area of the Scholar; (b) a published record of articles or books that establishes them as a leader in mixed methods research; and (c) a record of successfully mentoring other investigators either at their home institution or at other schools in the US. Initial results will be published in the International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches (IJMRA) Inaugural Special Issue on Mixed Methods Research.

After matching, and following an introductory webinar on mixed methods, we provide an interactive 3-day summer course on mixed methods research. Scholars will be expected to bring a project to the course as a focus for training, e.g., draft proposal for a NIH investigation (such as a K-award or a proposed R-level grant). During the summer course, the Scholars will receive training in mixed methods research.

Following the summer course, the Scholars will interact with Program Directors and consultants through on-line conversations and learning communities that will help them further develop their research training through application to their area of interest. In addition, through this Program, on-line videos, developed by the Project Directors on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods will be available for continued skill development. An evaluation plan, incorporating a measure of research activities and productivity will be assessed for each individual, and on-going reviews and revisions in the Program will be undertaken based on a program evaluation plan.

The significance of the Program lies in enlarging the national pool of trained investigators in mixed methods and improving the quality of such investigations. Our program will ultimately improve research practices and lead to further initiatives to strengthen methodological approaches.