Interested in Research? online video introduction to Qualitative Research

[Carolyn Canfield]

SPOR is generating invitations for patients to join research projects. You may not have any research experience, or your experience is limited. Maybe you want to know more before you get involved. Or once on a team, you feel in need of greater background about what's happening in the study.

Much of SPOR research is "qualitative", as opposed to "quantitative". That is, the research is NOT about crunching numbers from clinical trials of new medications or procedures, nor analyzing data collected from healthcare operations. So what is QUALITATIVE research?

Below are links to a six part lecture series from Yale University that introduces "Fundamentals of Qualitative Research Methods". Each module is 12-23 minutes long. Dr Leslie Curry presents in clear language with great slides, accompanied by many useful references if you want to dig deeper.

I think this series is excellent! Take in as much as you want: one or all six lectures. You will come away with the vocabulary and concepts to give you (1) confidence for that next project, (2) a basis of asking questions before you sign on, AND (3) the ability as a team member to ask questions to strengthen the study and its impact for patients and practitioners.

Happy Learning!

Lecture 1 What is Qualitative Research?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbdN_sLWl88

Lecture 2 Developing a Qualitative Research Question
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0HxMpJsm0I&t=1s

Lecture 3 Interviews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PhcglOGFg8

Lecture 4 Focus Groups
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCAPz14yjd4

Lecture 5 Data Analysis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opp5tH4uD-w

Lecture 6 Scientific Rigor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m0LVHK8a94