Qualitative Research Training

Development of Training Curriculum & Materials

The curriculum was co-created with a maternal-child health epidemiologist, qualitative methodologist, EMPOWER project stakeholder with lived experience of substance use in pregnancy, and psychologist.

The content for each training module was iteratively created to ensure the inclusion of appropriate, adequate, and accessible information related to each learning objective. This workgroup met weekly over six months to co-develop the training modules and materials.

The training course included seven modules; three self-paced, interactive online training modules and four live online training sessions. Each self-paced online module took partners approximately thirty minutes to complete, and the live online training sessions were scheduled for ninety minutes each.

Modules

Module 1

Qualitative Research & Developing Research Questions 

Mode: Self-paced
Learning Objectives:
  • Define qualitative research
  • Identify 3 types of qualitative data
  • Review examples of qualitative research questions
  • Identify when qualitative methods are appropriate
Module 2

Data Collection Methods

Mode: Self-paced
Learning Objectives:
  • Identify 3 types of qualitative data collection methods
  • Describe the strengths and limitations of each method
  • Identify how data is collected and stored
Module 3

Crafting Qualitative Research Questions and Co-Creating Data Collection Tools

Mode: Live Training Session
Learning Objectives:
  • Identify 1 qualitative research question for a focus group & develop a data collection instrument
  • Identify 1 qualitative research question for an individual interview & develop a data collection instrument
  • Practice collecting and recording data using role-playing methods in small groups
Module 4

Hands-On Experience in Data Collection Methods

Mode: Live Training Session
Learning Objectives
  • Conduct a fifteen (15) minute focus group with existing EMPOWER Project clinical and community partners as mock research participants 
  • Conduct fifteen (15) minute individual interviews with EMPOWER Project clinical or community partners as mock research participants
  • Summarize research experiences
Module 5

Qualitative Data Analysis

Mode: Live Training Session
Learning Objectives:
  • Identify at least two basics of MAXQDA software 
  • Discuss data coding strategies in MAXQDA using data collected from Module 4
  • Conduct a thematic analysis of data collected from Module 4
Module 6

Dissemination of Qualitative Research 

Mode: Self-paced
Learning Objectives:
  • Define dissemination methods
  • Review examples of PCOR/CER dissemination for diverse stakeholder groups
  • Identify why dissemination is important for PCOR/CER
Module 7

Development of Materials for Dissemination

Mode: Live training session
  • Co-create a mini research poster to disseminate findings from Module 4 and Module 5
  • Co-create a presentation consisting of three (3) slides to disseminate findings from Module 4 and Module 5
  • Practice presentations of poster and virtual presentations 
  • Practice asking and answering questions related to research presentations