Qualitative Methods in Public Health

Qualitative Methods in Public Health: A Field Guide for Applied Research, 2nd Edition provides a practical orientation to conducting effective qualitative research in the public health sphere. With thorough examination and simple explanations, this book guides you through the logic and workflow of qualitative approaches, with step-by-step guidance on every phase of the research. Students learn how to identify and make use of theoretical frameworks to guide your study, design the study to answer specific questions, and achieve their research goals.

Data collection, analysis, and interpretation are given close attention as the backbone of a successful study, and expert insight on reporting and dissemination helps you get your work noticed. This second edition features new examples from global health, including case studies specifically illustrating study design, web and mobile technologies, mixed methods, and new innovations in information dissemination. Pedagogical tools have been added to help enhance your understanding of research design and implementation, and extensive appendices show you how these concepts work in practice.

Qualitative research is a powerful tool for public health, but it's very easy to get it wrong. Careful study design and data management are critical, and it's important to resist drawing conclusions that the data cannot support. This book shows you how to conduct high-quality qualitative research that stands up to review.

ELIZABETH E. TOLLEY is a senior scientist and Director of the Social and Behavioral Health Sciences division of FHI 360.

PRISCILLA R. ULIN is retired from Family Health International (now FHI 360), where she was senior research scientist in the Social and Behavioral Sciences division.

NATASHA MACK is a researcher in the Social and Behavioral Health Sciences division at FHI 360.

ELIZABETH T. ROBINSON is the senior advisor for communications at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's MEASURE Evaluation project.

STACEY M. SUCCOP is a research associate in the Scientific Affairs department at FHI 360.

List of Figures, Tables, and Boxes xiii

List of Case Studies xvii

Foreword xix

Acknowledgments xxi

About the Authors xxiii

Chapter 1: Invitation to Explore 1

Our Purpose 2

What Is Qualitative Research? 4

Getting Started 11

Key Terms 13

Review Questions 14

References 14

Chapter 2: The Language and Logic of Qualitative Research 17

Frameworks for Research: Paradigms, Theories, and Conceptual Models 18

Using Qualitative Methods to Develop Theory 27

Substantive Theories and Conceptual Models 28

Standards for Qualitative Research 35

Summary 38

Key Terms 39

Recommended Readings 40

Review Questions 40

References 40

Chapter 3: Designing the Study 45

Background and Rationale 47

Developing Study Objectives 53

Using Documentary Sources 54

Data From Human Subjects 55

Data Collection Methods 61

Collecting Data 71

Analyzing the Data 72

Disseminating Results 74

Research Ethics: Decisions for the Protection of Study Participants 74

Other Considerations: Budget and Time 78

Summary 79

Key Terms 79

Recommended Readings 81

Review Questions 81

References 81

Chapter 4: Collecting Qualitative Data 85

Observation 86

Interviews and Focus Groups 98

Structured Data Collection Techniques 127

Summary 134

Key Terms 135

Review Questions 137

Recommended Readings 137

References 138

Chapter 5: Logistics in the Field 143

Introduction to the Community: Building Rapport 145

Involving Policymakers and Change Agents 148

Developing the Field Team 150

Training 152

Field Materials 157

Pilot Testing 158

Field Logistics 159

Supervision and Monitoring 161

Generating Data Files 162

Transcription and Translation 163

Data Management and Storage 165

Timelines and Budgets 166

Summary 168

Key Terms 169

Review Questions 170

Recommended Readings 170

References 171

Chapter 6: Qualitative Data Analysis 173

Basic Steps in Qualitative Data Analysis 175

Step 1. Reading: Developing an Intimate Relationship with the Data 176

Step 2. Coding: Identifying the Emerging Themes 179

Computer Software 189

Step 3. Displaying Data: Distinguishing Nuances of a Topic 199

Developing Hypotheses, Questioning, and Verifying 201

Step 4. Data Reduction: Getting the Big Picture 204

Step 5. Interpretation 207

Establishing Trustworthiness 212

Summary 215

Key Terms 216

Review Questions 217

Recommended Readings 217

References 217

Chapter 7: Disseminating Qualitative Research 219

Research Ethics Require Dissemination 222

An Inclusive Dissemination Process Promotes Use 223

How to Develop a Communication and Dissemination Strategy 224

Choosing a Format for Dissemination 240

Summary 249

Key Terms 250

Review Questions 250

Recommended Readings 250

References 251

Chapter 8: Putting It Into Words 255

The Role of Writing in Responsible Conduct of Research 256

Before You Write 258

Writing Your Article or Report 267

After You Write 284

Summary 291

Key Terms 292

Review Questions 292

Recommended Readings 292

References 293

Appendix 1: Case Studies 295

Appendix 2: Examples of Oral Consent Forms 347

Appendix 3: Participant Observation Notes 351

Appendix 4: Topic Guides With Pictures 359

Appendix 5: Sample Interviewer Training Program Agendas and Training Schedules 369

Appendix 6: Sample Budget Categories for Planning Qualitative Data Collection 373

Appendix 7: Coding Summary Report 377

Appendix 8: Example of Data Analysis Memo 383

Appendix 9: Making Study Findings Accessible to Other Researchers 387

Appendix 10: Dissemination Materials for Community Stakeholders 395

Appendix 11: Sample Briefs to Share Qualitative Study Findings with Policy Audiences 405

Appendix 12: Sample Dissemination Strategy for Advocacy 413

Appendix 13: Where to Publish 417

Appendix 14: Who Is an Author? 431

Index 433

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