Methodological Approaches and Study Designs

This week’s topics

Methodological Approaches and Study Designs

1. Experimental and quasi-experimental trials
2. Phenomenological and ethnographic approaches
3. Mixed-methods triangulation
4. Participatory action research in care settings
5. Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Research - for Healthcare Students and Researchers
6. What is... Action Research? Professor Danny Burns
7. 3 Core Mixed Methods Designs: Convergent, Explanatory, & Exploratory Sequential | Chapter 10, Part 2
8. Public Health 250A - Lecture 25: Choice of Study Designs: A.
9. Public Health 250A - Lecture 12: Experimental Studies I: In

What you will be able to do

• 2.2 Examine different approaches to research.

Activity

Start with this week’s 5 videos, then: Seminar, guided reading and a short written task: examine different approaches to research.

Study materials

Videos

• Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Research - for Healthcare Students and Researchers · YouTube · Carol Forde-Johnston · 18 min · for registered students
• What is... Action Research? Professor Danny Burns · YouTube · National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) · 24 min · for registered students
• 3 Core Mixed Methods Designs: Convergent, Explanatory, & Exploratory Sequential | Chapter 10, Part 2 · YouTube · Mastering Public Health · 17 min · for registered students

Further resources

• Magenta Book Annex A: analytical methods for use within an evaluation (HM Treasury) · PDF · GOV.UK, guidance; 60 pages · for registered students
• Research Methods Knowledge Base (Trochim, hosted by Conjointly) · Reading · Other, textbook · for registered students
• The Magenta Book: Central Government guidance on evaluation (HM Treasury, 2026 update) · PDF · GOV.UK, guidance; 160 pages · for registered students