Design/Approaches/Methodology

Barroga E, Matanguihan GJ. A Practical Guide to Writing Quantitative and Qualitative Research Questions and Hypotheses in Scholarly Articles. J Korean Med Sci. 2022;37(16):e121. doi:10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e121

  • Description: A comprehensive guide for crafting effective quantitative and qualitative research questions and hypotheses, emphasizing the importance of clarity, specificity, and alignment with study objectives to ensure rigorous and meaningful research outcomes

Ratan SK, Anand T, Ratan J. Formulation of Research Question – Stepwise Approach. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg. 2019;24(1):15-20. doi:10.4103/jiaps.JIAPS_76_18

  • Description: examines the integration of mixed-methods research in healthcare simulation, highlighting its ability to provide comprehensive insights into educational interventions, while also addressing challenges such as methodological complexity and resource demands.

Thabane L, Ma J, Chu R, et al. A tutorial on pilot studies: the what, why and how. BMC Medical Research Methodology. 2010;10(1):1. doi:10.1186/1471-2288-10-1

  • Description: provides a comprehensive overview of pilot studies, explaining their purpose, importance, and key methodological considerations to guide researchers in designing and conducting effective preliminary research.

Teresi JA, Yu X, Stewart AL, Hays RD. Guidelines for Designing and Evaluating Feasibility Pilot Studies. Med Care. 2022;60(1):95-103. doi:10.1097/MLR.0000000000001664

  • Description: provides guidelines for designing and evaluating feasibility pilot studies, emphasizing the importance of assessing specific indicators such as recruitment, retention, intervention fidelity, acceptability, adherence, and engagement to determine the feasibility of data collection methods and intervention implementation. The authors also discuss statistical and design issues, including sample sizes, estimates of minimally important differences, design effects, and confidence intervals, highlighting the limitations of using pilot studies to estimate effect sizes for planning larger-scale randomized controlled trials.

Pearson N, Naylor PJ, Ashe MC, Fernandez M, Yoong SL, Wolfenden L. Guidance for conducting feasibility and pilot studies for implementation trials. Pilot and Feasibility Studies. 2020;6(1):167. doi:10.1186/s40814-020-00634-w

  • Description: practical guidance for designing and conducting feasibility and pilot studies in implementation trials, emphasizing the need to assess context-specific factors, refine implementation strategies, and ensure methodological rigor to support successful scale-up.

Types of Quantitative Research Methods and Designs

  • Description: outlines various types of quantitative research designs—including experimental, quasi-experimental, descriptive, correlational, and causal-comparative—each serving distinct purposes such as testing hypotheses, exploring relationships, or identifying patterns, with the choice of design depending on the research objectives and questions.

Nwabuko O. An Overview of Research Study Designs in Quantitative Research Methodology: Research Article. American Journal of Medical and Clinical Research & Reviews. 2024;3(5):1-6. doi:10.58372/2835-6276.1169

  • Description: An overview of quantitative research study designs, categorized into experimental and nonexperimental types, and their relevance in data collection and credibility verification

Hariton E, Locascio JJ. Randomised controlled trials—the gold standard for effectiveness research. BJOG. 2018;125(13):1716. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.15199 

  • Description: emphasizes that randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evaluating the effectiveness of medical interventions due to their ability to minimize bias; explains how RCTs achieve this through randomization, control groups, and blinding, making their findings more reliable than observational studies.

Lichtenstein AH, Petersen K, Barger K, Hansen KE, Anderson CAM, Baer DJ, Lampe JW, Rasmussen H, Matthan NR. Perspective: Design and Conduct of Human Nutrition Randomized Controlled Trials. Adv Nutr. 2021 Feb 1;12(1):4-20. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmaa109. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33200182/

  • Description: trial methodology, participant selection, intervention design, data collection in nutrition research, guidance for conducting RCT in human nutrition, how to control for dietary factors

Puffer S, Torgerson DJ, Watson J. Cluster randomized controlled trials. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. 2005;11(5):479-483. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2753.2005.00568.x

  • Description: clinical research, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using this design, such as the potential for intra-cluster correlation and the complexities of statistical analysis

Jamshidi‐Naeini Y, Brown AW, Mehta T, et al. A practical decision tree to support editorial adjudication of submitted parallel cluster randomized controlled trials. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md). 2022;30(3):565-570. doi:10.1002/oby.23373

  • Description: for obesity research, evaluates the methodology of cluster RCTS, and ensures the rigors and reliability of published studies

Hemming K, Haines TP, Chilton PJ, Girling AJ, Lilford RJ. The stepped wedge cluster randomised trial: rationale, design, analysis, and reporting. BMJ. 2015;350:h391. doi:10.1136/bmj.h391

  • Description: used in public health and social sciences, guidance on how to implement and report on the stepped wedge cluster trial design

World Health Organization Clinical Trials 

  • Description: provides an overview of clinical trials, detailing their purpose, phases, and the importance of registration for transparency and ethical standards. It also highlights the WHO’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), which aims to link global clinical trial registers to ensure comprehensive and accessible information for researchers and the public.

Lichtenstein AH, Petersen K, Barger K, et al. Perspective: Design and Conduct of Human Nutrition Randomized Controlled Trials. Adv Nutr. 2021;12(1):4-20. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa109

  • Description: discusses best practices for designing and conducting human nutrition randomized controlled trials, emphasizing methodological rigor to improve reliability and applicability of findings.

Zwarenstein M, Treweek S, Gagnier JJ, et al. Improving the reporting of pragmatic trials: an extension of the CONSORT statement. BMJ. 2008;337:a2390. doi:10.1136/bmj.a2390

  • Description: Improving research trials, changing standard guidelines to improve how applicable it is, specifically for randomized controlled trials; Study design, systematic review

Loudon K, Treweek S, Sullivan F, Donnan P, Thorpe KE, Zwarenstein M. The PRECIS-2 tool: designing trials that are fit for purpose. BMJ. 2015;350:h2147. doi:10.1136/bmj.h2147

  • Description: framework to ensure RCTs are fitting for the purpose of the study, assesses how the trial aligns with the goals, and makes trial designs more relevant to real-world settings

Rockers PC. QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES IN HEALTH SYSTEMS EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS. In: Evidence Synthesis for Health Policy and Systems: A Methods Guide. World Health Organization; 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK569593/

  • Description: highlights the role of quasi-experimental studies in health systems evidence synthesis, explaining their value in evaluating policy impacts when randomized trials are not feasible.

Yusoff MSB, Arifin WN, Hadie SNH. ABC of Questionnaire Development and Validation for Survey Research. Education in Medicine Journal. 2021;13(1):97-108. doi:10.21315/eimj2021.13.1.10

  • Description: provides a systematic, seven-step framework for designing and validating questionnaires in survey research, emphasizing clarity of aims, defining attributes, careful item development, and rigorous psychometric evaluation to ensure reliability and validity.

Hochberg CH, Eakin MN. Keys to Successful Survey Research in Health Professions Education. ATS Sch. 5(1):206-217. doi:10.34197/ats-scholar.2023-0112RE

  • Description: A comprehensive guide to conducting rigorous survey research in health professions education, emphasizing the importance of clearly defined research questions, appropriate sampling methods, validated survey instruments, and adherence to reporting guidelines to enhance study validity and generalizability.

Zimba O, Gasparyan AY. Designing, Conducting, and Reporting Survey Studies: A Primer for Researchers. J Korean Med Sci. 2023;38(48):e403. doi:10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e403

  • Description: A comprehensive primer on designing, conducting, and reporting survey studies, emphasizing the importance of clear objectives, expert input, appropriate sampling, and adherence to reporting standards to enhance the validity and impact of research in medical and health sciences.

Erlingsson C, Brysiewicz P. A hands-on guide to doing content analysis. Afr J Emerg Med. 2017;7(3):93-99. doi:10.1016/j.afjem.2017.08.001

  • Description: a practical, step-by-step guide to conducting content analysis in qualitative research, emphasizing clarity in coding, categorizing, and interpreting textual data to ensure rigor and transparency.

Sireci SG. The Construct of Content Validity. Social Indicators Research. 1998;45(1):83-117. doi:10.1023/A:1006985528729

  • Description: examines the construct of content validity, proposing a comprehensive framework that integrates expert judgment, test specification, and empirical analysis to ensure that assessments accurately represent the intended content domain.

Bradshaw C, Atkinson S, Doody O. Employing a Qualitative Description Approach in Health Care Research. Global Qualitative Nursing Research. 2017;4:2333393617742282. doi:10.1177/2333393617742282

  • Description:explains the use of qualitative description in healthcare research as a pragmatic and flexible approach that provides rich, straightforward accounts of participants’ experiences while staying close to their actual words and meanings.

Harris, J. E., Gleason, P. M., Sheean, P. M., Boushey, C., Beto, J. A., & Bruemmer, B. (2009). An introduction to qualitative research for food and nutrition professionals. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 109(1), 80–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2008.10.018

  • Description: defines qualitative research, explains its design, explores its congruence with quantitative research, and provides examples of its applications in dietetics. Also, methods to ensure validity, reliability, and relevance are addressed. 

Focus Group Interviewing 

  • Description: Resources to help prepare for successful focus group interviews

Israel, B. A., Eng, E., Schulz, A. J., & Parker, E. A. (Eds.). (2013).
 Methods in community-based participatory research for health (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass.  ISBN: 978-1118021866

1

Wallerstein, N., Duran, B., Oetzel, J., & Minkler, M. (Eds.). (2017).
 Community-based participatory research for health: Advancing social and health equity (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.
 ISBN: 978-1119258858

Minkler, M., & Wallerstein, N. (Eds.). (2003).
 Community-based participatory research for health. Jossey-Bass.
 ISBN: 978-0787964579

 

Israel BA, Schulz AJ, Parker EA, Becker AB. Review of community-based research: assessing partnership approaches to improve public health. Annu Rev Public Health. 1998;19:173-202. doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.19.1.173

  • Description:  a comprehensive review of community-based research in public health, emphasizing the importance of active collaboration among community members, organizational representatives, and researchers to address social, structural, and environmental inequities, while discussing key principles, scientific paradigms, rationales, challenges, and facilitating factors essential for effective partnership approaches aimed at improving public health outcomes.

Cargo M, Mercer SL. The Value and Challenges of Participatory Research: Strengthening Its Practice*, ‡. Annual Review of Public Health. 2008;29(Volume 29, 2008):325-350. doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.29.091307.083824

  • Description: A critical review of participatory research (PR) in public health that proposes an integrative practice framework with five essential domains to guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of PR partnerships, while addressing the challenges and added value of such approaches in achieving health outcomes.

Strong LL, Israel BA, Schulz AJ, et al. Piloting Interventions Within a Community-Based Participatory Research Framework: Lessons Learned From the Healthy Environments Partnership. Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action. 2009;3(4):327-334. https://doi.org/10.1353/cpr.0.0094

  • Description: discusses the implementation of the “Walk Your Heart to Health” pilot intervention within the Healthy Environments Partnership, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of conducting community-based participatory research (CBPR) interventions, and emphasize the importance of aligning pilot interventions with community needs and maintaining ongoing communication among partners to address both anticipated and unanticipated challenges.

Johnson-Shelton D, Moreno-Black G, Evers C, Zwink N. A Community-Based Participatory Research Approach for Preventing Childhood Obesity: The Communities and Schools Together Project. Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action. 2015;9(3):351-361.https://doi.org/10.1353/cpr.2015.0056

  • Description: Describes the Communities and Schools Together Project, a community-based participatory research initiative aimed at preventing childhood obesity through collaborative efforts between schools, families, and local organizations.

Livingood WC, Monticalvo D, Bernhardt JM, et al. Engaging Adolescents Through Participatory and Qualitative Research Methods to Develop a Digital Communication Intervention to Reduce Adolescent Obesity. Health Educ Behav. 2017;44(4):570-580. doi:10.1177/1090198116677216

  • Description: describes participatory processes for engaging youth within the context of CBPR and broader community, (b) shares youth-engaged research findings related to the use of digital communication and implications for adolescent obesity intervention research, and (c) describes and discusses lessons learned from participatory approaches.

Nasa P, Jain R, Juneja D. Delphi methodology in healthcare research: How to decide its appropriateness. World J Methodol. 2021;11(4):116-129. doi:10.5662/wjm.v11.i4.116

  • Description: outlines the Delphi methodology in healthcare research, providing guidance on when and how to use it appropriately for achieving expert consensus.

Wasti SP, Simkhada P, van Teijlingen ER, Sathian B, Banerjee I. The Growing Importance of Mixed-Methods Research in Health. Nepal J Epidemiol. 2022;12(1):1175-1178. doi:10.3126/nje.v12i1.43633

  • Description: illustrates the growing importance of mixed-methods research to many health disciplines ranging from nursing to epidemiology. Highlights the strengths and weaknesses of mixed-methods approaches as well as some of the common mistakes made by researchers applying mixed-methods for the first time.

Harder N. Understanding Mixed-Methods in Healthcare Simulation Research: Scope and Limitations. Clinical Simulation In Nursing. 2023;82. doi:10.1016/j.ecns.2023.101446

  • Description: discusses the integration of mixed-methods research in healthcare simulation, highlighting its capacity to provide comprehensive insights into educational interventions, while also addressing challenges such as methodological complexity and resource demands.

Sampling

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 

  • Description: The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) reporting guidelines are designed to improve the reporting of systematic reviews. PRISMA assists authors to completely report why their systematic review was done, what methods they used, and what they found.

G*Power

  • Description: G*Power is a tool to compute statistical power analyses for many different t tests, F tests, χ2 tests, z tests and some exact tests. G*Power can also be used to compute effect sizes and to display graphically the results of power analyses.

Kang H. Sample size determination and power analysis using the G*Power software. J Educ Eval Health Prof. 2021;18:17. doi:10.3352/jeehp.2021.18.17 

  • Description: offers a practical guide on determining sample size and conducting power analysis using G*Power software, highlighting its applications in health and educational research.

Recruitment Settings and Procedures

  • Description: The University of Nevada, Reno’s Human Research Protection Policy Manual (Section 300) outlines ethical and procedural guidelines for recruiting participants in research studies, emphasizing the importance of fair, equitable, and non-coercive recruitment practices. It highlights considerations such as appropriate recruitment settings, timing, and methods, including the use of flyers, emails, social media, and third-party referrals.

Leonard A, Hutchesson M, Patterson A, Chalmers K, Collins C. Recruitment and retention of young women into nutrition research studies: practical considerations. Trials. 2014;15(1):23. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-15-23

  • Description: examines practical strategies for effectively recruiting and retaining young women in nutrition research, highlighting the utility of social media for recruitment and personalized follow-up methods, like emails and texts, for improving participant retention.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality- Participant Recruitment for Research 

Negrin KA, Slaughter SE, Dahlke S, Olson J. Successful Recruitment to Qualitative Research: A Critical Reflection. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. 2022;21:16094069221119576. doi:10.1177/16094069221119576

  • Descritpion: A reflection on successful recruitment strategies for qualitative research, highlighting the importance of multi-modal approaches, rapport-building, and understanding participant motivations, with snowball sampling and conference posters proving particularly effective in their study.

Daniels LA, Wilson JL, Mallan KM, et al. Recruiting and engaging new mothers in nutrition research studies: lessons from the Australian NOURISH randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 2012;9(1):129. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-129

  • Description: explores the scope and limitations of mixed-methods research in healthcare simulation, emphasizing its ability to provide richer, more comprehensive data while acknowledging challenges like increased complexity and resource requirements.

Ellington M, Connelly J, Clayton P, et al. Use of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for recruiting healthy participants in nutrition-, physical activity–, or obesity-related studies: a systematic review. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2022;115(2):514-533. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqab352

  • Description: a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for recruiting healthy participants in nutrition-, physical activity–, or obesity-related studies.  

Wasfi R, Stephens ZP, Sones M, et al. Recruiting Participants for Population Health Intervention Research: Effectiveness and Costs of Recruitment Methods for a Cohort Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2021;23(11):e21142. doi:10.2196/21142

  • Description: A report on and evaluation of the cost-effectiveness, time effectiveness, and sociodemographic representation of diverse recruitment methods used to enroll participants in 3 cities of the Interventions, Research, and Action in Cities Team (INTERACT) study, a cohort study conducted in Canadian cities.

Joseph RP, Keller C, Ainsworth BE. Recruiting Participants into Pilot Trials: Techniques for Researchers with Shoestring Budgets. Calif J Health Promot. 2016;14(2):81-89. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28090193/

  • Description: An overview of five cost-effective recruitment strategies for pilot trials with limited resources: leveraging personal networks, collaborating with community gatekeepers, identifying diverse recruitment venues, creating clear and concise materials, and building respectful relationships with participants.

Guagliano JM, Morton KL, Hughes C, van Sluijs EMF. Effective and resource efficient strategies for recruiting families in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, nutrition, and obesity prevention research: A systematic review with expert opinion. Obes Rev. 2021;22(4):e13161. doi:10.1111/obr.13161

Vasileiou K, Barnett J, Thorpe S, Young T. Characterising and justifying sample size sufficiency in interview-based studies: systematic analysis of qualitative health research over a 15-year period. BMC Medical Research Methodology. 2018;18(1):148. doi:10.1186/s12874-018-0594-7

  • Description: Systematic analysis of qualitative health research to examine how sample size sufficiency in interview-based studies is characterized and justified, revealing inconsistencies and the need for clearer reporting standards.

Sharma SK, Mudgal SK, Gaur R, Chaturvedi J, Rulaniya S, Sharma P. Navigating Sample Size Estimation for Qualitative Research. Journal of Medical Evidence. 2024;5(2):133. doi:10.4103/JME.JME_59_24

  • Description: a comprehensive review of four methodologies for estimating sample size in qualitative research: rules of thumb, conceptual models, data saturation, and statistical formulas.

Data Collection Methods

Karen Olson – Interviewing in Qualitative Research 

  • Description: In this presentation, Dr. Karin Olson from the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta, talks about interviewing in qualitative research. This presentation is part of the webinar series on qualitative methodology co-sponsored by the International Institute for Qualitative Methodology (IIQM) and ATLAS.ti.

Amy Stich interviewing Kathy Roulston on Interviewing in qualitative research 

  • Description: In this episode, Amy Stich interviews Kathy Roulston on interviewing in qualitative research. This conversation is great for both beginners and advanced researchers.

Goodell LS, Stage VC, Cooke NK. Practical Qualitative Research Strategies: Training Interviewers and Coders. J Nutr Educ Behav. 2016;48(8):578-585.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2016.06.001

  • Description: This training provides exposure to the core principles of qualitative research and then asks the research assistant to apply those principles through practice in a setting structured on critical reflection.

Saunders B, Sim J, Kingstone T, et al. Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization. Qual Quant. 2018;52(4):1893-1907. doi:10.1007/s11135-017-0574-8

  • Description: examines the varying definitions and applications of saturation in qualitative research, proposing that its operationalization should align with the research questions, theoretical framework, and analytic approach to maintain its methodological integrity.

Ruxton C. Interpretation of observational studies: the good, the bad and the sensational. Proc Nutr Soc. 2022;81(4):279-287. doi:10.1017/S0029665122000775

  • Description: key approaches to estimating sample size in qualitative research, such as data saturation, conceptual models, and practical guidelines, emphasizing the need for thoughtful, context-specific application to ensure study rigor and credibility.

Patro-Gołąb B, Szajewska H. Strengths and weaknesses of observational nutritional studies. World Rev Nutr Diet. 2013;108:11-17. doi:10.1159/000351480

  • Description:

Data Analysis Methods

Sobh M, Cleophas TJ, Hadj-Chaib A, Zwinderman AH. Clinical trials: odds ratios and multiple regression models–why and how to assess them. Am J Ther. 2008;15(1):44-52. doi:10.1097/MJT.0b013e3180ed80bf

  • Description: statistical techniques used in clinical trials, odds ratios, and multiple regression models

Twisk J, Bosman L, Hoekstra T, Rijnhart J, Welten M, Heymans M. Different ways to estimate treatment effects in randomised controlled trials. Contemp Clin Trials Comm, 10, 80–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2018.03.008

  • Description: Methods for analyzing RCT, longitudinal analysis, and repeated measures analysis

Analyzing and Interpreting Data (Chapter 8 of The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual)

  • Description: describes the strategy for planning an analysis, methods for conducting the analysis, and guidelines for interpreting the results.

Vivek R, Nanthagopan Y. Review and Comparison of Multi-Method and Mixed Method Application in Research Studies. European Journal of Management Issues. 2021;29(4):200-208. doi:10.15421/192119

  • Description: Practical guidance on recruiting and retaining young women in nutrition research, emphasizing the effectiveness of social media outreach and personalized communication for sustained participation.

Pope C, Ziebland S, Mays N. Qualitative research in health care. Analysing qualitative data. BMJ. 2000;320(7227):114-116. doi:10.1136/bmj.320.7227.114

  • Description: outlines key approaches to analyzing qualitative data in health care research, emphasizing systematic methods such as thematic analysis, grounded theory, and content analysis to ensure rigor and credibility.

Fusch P, Ness L. Are We There Yet? Data Saturation in Qualitative Research. The Qualitative Report. 2015;20(9):1408-1416. doi:10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2281

  • Description: A critique of two qualitative studies for data saturation: Wolcott (2004) and Landau and Drori (2008). 

Fischer CT. Bracketing in qualitative research: conceptual and practical matters. Psychother Res. 2009;19(4-5):583-590. doi:10.1080/10503300902798375

  • Description: explores the concept of bracketing in qualitative research, highlighting its importance for managing researcher bias by setting aside preconceptions to better understand participants’ lived experiences.

Bengtsson M. How to plan and perform a qualitative study using content analysis. NursingPlus Open. 2016;2:8-14. doi:10.1016/j.npls.2016.01.001

  • Description: This paper describes the research process, from planning to presentation, with the emphasis on credibility throughout the whole process, when the methodology of qualitative content analysis is chosen in a qualitative study

Bulanov NM, Suvorov AY, Blyuss OB, et al. Basic principles of descriptive statistics in medical research. Sechenov Medical Journal. 2021;12(3):4-16. doi:10.47093/2218-7332.2021.12.3.4-16

  • Description: This article presents two important sets of parameters – measures of the central tendency (mean, median and mode) and variation (standard deviation, quantiles) and suggests the most suitable conditions for their application.

Vetter TR. Descriptive Statistics: Reporting the Answers to the 5 Basic Questions of Who, What, Why, When, Where, and a Sixth, So What? Anesth Analg. 2017;125(5):1797-1802. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000002471

  • Description: This basic statistical tutorial discusses a series of fundamental concepts about descriptive statistics and their reporting.

Fulk G. Descriptive Statistics, An Important First Step. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. 2023;47(2):63. doi:10.1097/NPT.0000000000000434

Regression analysis

Quality Assessment

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research Mixed Methods Research Resources 

  • Description: provides guidance on mixed methods research, emphasizing the integration of both quantitative and qualitative data to enhance the understanding of health-related issues. Their “Best Practices for Mixed Methods Research in the Health Sciences” offers recommendations for researchers and reviewers to rigorously develop and evaluate mixed methods applications aiming to improve the quality and impact of behavioral and social sciences research.

NIH National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Community-Based Participatory Research 

Link: https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/extramural/community-based-participatory.html

NIMHD Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework 

  • Description: The NIMHD Research Framework is a multidimensional model developed by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to guide research on minority health and health disparities. It categorizes health determinants across five domains—biological, behavioral, physical/built environment, sociocultural environment, and healthcare system—and four levels of influence: individual, interpersonal, community, and societal. This framework aims to promote comprehensive, multilevel research approaches and to assess progress, identify gaps, and uncover opportunities within NIMHD and NIH research portfolios.

Assessing Quality in Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research 

  • Description: 

CASP- Critical Appraisal Skills Program- checklist for qualitative systematic reviews

  • Description: The CASP Qualitative Checklist (2024) is a structured tool designed to assist researchers and practitioners in critically appraising qualitative studies by evaluating aspects such as research aims, methodology, data collection, ethical considerations, and the clarity and relevance of findings.

Johnson JL, Adkins D, Chauvin S. A Review of the Quality Indicators of Rigor in Qualitative Research. Am J Pharm Educ. 2020;84(1):7120. doi:10.5688/ajpe7120

  • Description: This article reviews common standards of rigor, quality scholarship criteria, and best practices for qualitative research from design through dissemination.

McMaster Evidence Review & Synthesis Team. Quality assessment tool for quantitative studies. 2010. Effective Public Health Practice Project. https://merst.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/ephpp/

  • Description: provides a quality assessment tool designed for evaluating quantitative studies in public health, used for assessing methodological quality of research, and helps researchers evaluate the reliability and validity of studies in quantitative research

Eysenbach G. Improving the Quality of Web Surveys: The Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2004;6(3):e34–e34. doi:10.2196/jmir.6.3.e34

  • Description: improve quality and transparency of web-based surveys, how to report CHERRIES design and analysis, internet survey methodology, participant recruitment, data collection, a checklist aims to enhance the reliability of internet-based surveys, good for online research 

Thomas BH, Ciliska D, Dobbins M, Micucci S. A process for systematically reviewing the literature: providing the research evidence for public health nursing interventions. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2004;1(3):176-184. doi:10.1111/j.1524-475X.2004.04006.x

  • Description: Development and assessment of quality assessment instruments in the systematic review process