Module 6
Qualitative study design
Training course in research methodology, research protocol development and scientific writing 2025
October 8, 2025 - Geneva
Assignment
Part 1 (25 marks)
Read the abstract and method sections of the qualitative studies below.
Answer the following questions for both studies:
1. What were the aims of the studies? (4 marks)
2. Identify the sampling techniques. In your opinion, were they appropriate for the study designs? (5 marks)
3. What techniques were used for data collection? (4 marks)
4. Which methodological approaches did the authors use? Do you think the approaches used were appropriate for these studies? (6 marks)
5. Mention three measures each that the authors took to improve the trustworthiness (rigor) of their studies. (6 marks)
Part 2
Reflect over your research topic, question and study design, revise if necessary and submit to your coach for review and feedback.
For all study types, it is highly recommended that you start drafting the methodology of your protocol under the following subheadings:
- Study goals (aims) and objectives
- General objective
- Specific objectives
- Research question / hypothesis
- Study design
- Specify the study design
- Study variables
- Exposure and outcome variable
- Other predictor variables/confounder variables
- For each variable of interest, give sources of data and details of methods of assessment /measurement. Describe comparability of assessment methods if there is more than one group
- Study setting
- The setting/ locations
- Source of data if secondary data will be used
- Relevant dates - periods of recruitment, exposure, follow-up, and data collection
- Study population
- Target population/Study population
- Procedure of selection of study participants
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria
- Sampling
- Sampling technique
- Sample size
- Procedure for data collection
- Data collection methods
- Pilot testing (if applicable)