Module Six : Home

Up to this point we have been primarily concerned with issues relating to the collection, analysis, and use of quantitative data. There are, however, limits to the value of strictly numeric data collection. Qualitative data provide greater detail, allow people to express themselves in their own words, and provide more contextual information than numbers alone. By employing a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods researchers can construct better survey instruments, statistically confirm people lived experiences, and address questions raised by statistics. Socio-cultural information is a valuable part of MCH analysis and an indispensable tool for the modern public health professional.

Goals

Through completion of this module, students will learn:

1. The utility of qualitative data in MCH
2. Basic qualitative data collection techniques
3. The benefit of combining qualitative and quantitative techniques
4. How and why Rapid Assessment Procedures (RAP) are used
5. Basic principles and methods of qualitative data analysis