Mixed Methods Research (IMS 250)

At the end of the course, trainees will be able to:

• Explain general principles and concepts of mixed methods research, including what mixed methods are (and are not), as well as their benefits and challenges.
• Describe basic and advanced mixed methods designs, key considerations for design selection, and strategies for integrating quantitative and qualitative study components for different types of research questions.
• Apply key methodological considerations in qualitative and mixed methods research, including sampling, recruitment, and data collection sequencing.
• Demonstrate how to practically implement a mixed-methods research project through planning an individual project, which includes: formulating mixed-methods research questions, identifying relevant collaborators, choosing an appropriate mixed-methods design, identifying potential implementation challenges, communicating the mixed-methods design, applying mixed-methods strategies for the measurement of key domains across common implementation science theories, models, and frameworks, and developing a plan for analysis and joint display.
• Critically evaluate the validity and quality of mixed methods research.

1. At least one introductory qualitative methods course and one prior quantitative methods course are strongly recommended. If the trainee has no experience with qualitative methods, we recommend completing IMS 267 Qualitative Methods prior to this course. If no prior quantitative methods experience, completing any quantitative methods course at UCSF should suffice, e.g., BIOSTAT 200 Biostatistical Methods for Clinical Research I.
2. Identification of a mixed-methods research question of interest. This can include a real or imaginary project.

This course is taught fully remotely (online) with both synchronous and asynchronous components. Learners engage with content organized into 10 weekly modules. Each week, learners view recorded lectures, assigned readings, and submit written assignments in an online forum. Weekly synchronous meetings occur over Zoom. When scheduling meetings, faculty strive to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals across multiple time zones. Synchronous meeting attendance is recommended but not required.

Completing this course will take approximately 5-10 hours per module.

Trainees are expected to view the video lectures, complete assigned readings and assignments, constructively critique other students' assignments via online forums, submit a final project, and complete course evaluations.

This course requires learners to have a stable internet connection and access to the Zoom platform for synchronous meetings.

All course materials will be made available on the course website. In developing assignment submissions, students often benefit from using websites and other materials from external organizations.

All learners who meet the minimum course requirements will receive a formal letter documenting their successful completion of the course, its objectives, and requirements. Only learners who are matriculated in a UCSF Graduate Division program (e.g., Masters, PhD) may receive a letter grade on their UCSF transcript. UCSF graduate students should complete the ImS enrollment form (see below) and enroll via the UCSF Office of the Registrar – Student Portal.

Trainees are expected to watch all assigned videos; complete assigned readings; complete homework assignments; participate in weekly online forums; submit a final project; and complete course evaluations. 

Homework assignments will be oriented toward the practical application of course content and development of a mixed methods research proposal or manuscript. Each assignment should be no more than one page.

Students will submit a final composite research protocol or manuscript using mixed methods. This document will be a summary of the project developed over the quarter that incorporates feedback on the prior versions.

Completing this course will take an estimated 5-10 hours per module. In order to receive a letter of course completion, students are expected to:

• Abide by course Ground Rules and Community Norms (see course website).
• Turn in weekly assignments by the designated due date and time in 8 of 10 weeks.
• Provide feedback on assignments submitted by at least two peers by the designated due date and time in 8 of 10 weeks.
• Submit a final assignment by the designated due date and time at the end of the course.
• Submit a thoughtful critique of two peer’s final assignments by the designated due date and time at the end of the course.

Success in this course is determined as pass/no pass. Successful learners will receive a letter of course completion following the end of the term.

Students who do not turn in weekly assignments on time or do not provide required feedback to peers in more than two weeks will have the option of auditing or dropping the course. In either case, course fees will not be refunded.

Academic Year 2025-2026: The fee for each course is $2,900. A reduced fee of $2,250 is available for individuals affiliated with UCSF, individuals based in countries designated as low- or lower-middle-income-economies (LMIC), and individuals based in areas of ongoing armed conflict. Applicants seeking the reduced fee will be asked to provide support for their status. UCSF affiliation is defined as concurrent enrollment in a UCSF–sponsored residency or postdoctoral fellowship program; or a registered student in one of the UCSF professional schools or graduate programs; or individuals who hold full-time salaried UCSF faculty, academic, or staff positions.

Fees do not include books, supplies, or software. (These costs are minimal as most readings are from open-access journals.)