Course Details

Mixed-Methods Evaluation Design Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for designing and implementing robust Mixed-Methods Evaluations (MME). Recognizing that combining quantitative and qualitative approaches offers a richer, more nuanced, and comprehensive understanding of program effectiveness and impact, this program equips participants with a systematic understanding of different mixed-methods designs, data integration strategies, and analytical techniques. Participants will gain deep insights into formulating mixed-methods questions, leveraging the strengths of both data types, and ensuring methodological rigor, all crucial for generating stronger evidence and informing more effective programs. This course is ideal for M&E specialists, researchers, program managers, and anyone seeking to conduct more comprehensive and insightful evaluations.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals involved in designing, managing, and conducting evaluations, who wish to deepen their understanding and practical application of combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, including:

• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists.
• Researchers and Academics across social sciences.
• Program Managers and Coordinators.
• Data Analysts and Consultants.
• University students in related fields.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the philosophical underpinnings and core principles of Mixed-Methods Evaluation.
• Differentiate between various mixed-methods designs and select the most appropriate one.
• Formulate clear and integrated mixed-methods evaluation questions.
• Design strategies for collecting, analyzing, and integrating both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Develop a comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation plan for a given program.

MODULES

Module 1: Foundations of Mixed-Methods Evaluation

• Define Mixed-Methods Evaluation (MME) and its purpose in comprehensive assessment.
• Explore the philosophical assumptions underlying mixed methods (e.g., pragmatism).
• Understand the rationale for combining quantitative and qualitative approaches in evaluation.
• Discuss the benefits of MME (e.g., triangulation, complementarity, expansion, initiation).
• Examine the historical evolution and current trends in mixed-methods research.

Module 2: Key Mixed-Methods Designs

• Differentiate between the three main mixed-methods designs: Convergent Parallel, Explanatory Sequential, and Exploratory Sequential.
• Understand the purpose and typical application of each core design.
• Explore more advanced or complex designs (e.g., Embedded, Transformative, Multiphase).
• Discuss the implications of each design choice for timing, emphasis, and data integration.
• Learn about visually representing mixed-methods designs.

Module 3: Formulating Mixed-Methods Evaluation Questions

• Understand how to develop a compelling mixed-methods evaluation question.
• Discuss methods for breaking down broad questions into quantitative and qualitative sub-questions.
• Explore the concept of "mixing at the question level" for genuine integration.
• Examine how to ensure that questions lead to both breadth and depth of understanding.
• Practice crafting mixed-methods questions for different evaluation scenarios.

Module 4: Quantitative Data Collection and Analysis in MME

• Understand the role of quantitative data in mixed-methods evaluations.
• Discuss selecting appropriate quantitative data collection methods (e.g., surveys, existing databases, experimental designs).
• Explore common quantitative analytical techniques (e.g., descriptive statistics, inferential tests, regression).
• Examine how quantitative findings can lead to or confirm qualitative insights.
• Learn about ensuring quantitative rigor and validity.

Module 5: Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in MME

• Understand the role of qualitative data in mixed-methods evaluations.
• Discuss selecting appropriate qualitative data collection methods (e.g., in-depth interviews, focus groups, observations, case studies).
• Explore common qualitative analytical techniques (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis, grounded theory).
• Examine how qualitative findings can explain or enrich quantitative results.
• Learn about ensuring qualitative trustworthiness and credibility.

Module 6: Data Integration Strategies

• Understand the critical aspect of integration in mixed-methods evaluation.
• Discuss various integration points: during design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Explore different integration techniques (e.g., merging datasets, connecting data, embedding, transforming data).
• Examine how integration allows for "mixing" of findings to generate new insights.
• Learn about common challenges in data integration and solutions.

Module 7: Mixed-Methods Interpretation and Reporting

• Understand how to interpret findings from both quantitative and qualitative strands.
• Discuss techniques for synthesizing and integrating findings into a coherent narrative.
• Explore methods for presenting mixed-methods results clearly and compellingly.
• Examine how mixed-methods reports can answer complex evaluation questions more comprehensively.
• Learn about strategies for communicating mixed-methods findings to diverse audiences.

Module 8: Quality and Rigor in Mixed-Methods Evaluation

• Understand the criteria for judging quality and rigor in mixed-methods evaluations.
• Discuss how to ensure methodological coherence and consistency across methods.
• Explore techniques for addressing potential conflicts or discrepancies between quantitative and qualitative findings.
• Examine ethical considerations specific to mixed-methods research, including balancing different data sensitivities.
• Learn about planning for resource allocation and team skills for conducting robust MME.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com