The Qualitative Research Lab (QRL) offers consultation and support for qualitative
social scientific research at Augusta University.
The QRL is housed in the CSSR and operates as a Core research facility for the Augusta
University research community. The director and affiliates assist faculty, graduate
students, and administrators in the development and implementation of qualitative
research, from the initial design of research protocols to implementation of protocols
to data analysis. Common services include consultation on research design, conducting
interviews, focus groups, ethnographic field-work and participant observation and
data analysis. When applicable, the QRL, in conjunction with the CSSR, will organize
and facilitate workshops on general qualitative research techniques.
Our Services
- Consultation or research design
- Conducting Focus Groups
- Creating Interview Guides
- Interviewing Participants
- Data Analysis
- Grant Development (where appropriate)
- Hosting Workshops and Trainings
Qualitative Research Working Group
The QRL will support and facilitate a working group designed to provide community
and collaboration for qualitative researchers looking for peer-led support and guidance.
While the goals and activities of the working group will be guided by group members,
benefits of the group may include writing/editing support, theoretical and methodological
guidance, and project collaboration.
Workshops and Trainings
The QRL will host workshops and trainings through the CSSR for the Augusta University
community. In addition to scheduled campus events, academic departments and administrative
offices may request specialized training designed to fit their specific research needs.
Fees
As a Core facility the consultation fee is $120 per hour for faculty/staff/affiliates
of Augusta University ($200 per hour for all others). An initial hour consultation
meeting to discuss the project and scope of work is provided free of charge to all
Augusta University investigators.
Grant Preparation support is offered to Augusta University researchers free of charge,
provided that the QRL faculty affiliate is a co-investigator in the proposal with
a funding request for significant percent effort.
After the initial consultation, a cost estimate is provided. Where meaningful intellectual
contributions to research design, data analysis, and/or manuscript preparation will
occur, possibilities for co-authorship on consequent publications and presentations
for the QRL consultant will be negotiated at the initial consult and agreed to by
the Faculty/PI, the QRL consultant, and the QRL Director.
Inquiries and Requests
If you are interested in using the services of the QRL or have a project you would
like to discuss with the QRL, please fill out our QRL Request form to initiate a conversation!
* If you already have an iLab account you can request services directly through iLab.
Collaborations & Projects
CONVERGE: Addressing Wicked Health System Challenges: A New Framework for International
Collaboration
The Qualitative Research lab has collaborated with Provost Neil MacKinnon and his
research team to help understand, identify, and describe the factors that influence
engagement and progress in international rural health issues through the CONVERGE symposium. This collaboration includes conducting interviews and focus groups with
leaderships and participants in the symposium. Findings for this work are currently
under review for publication and will be presented at the 2023 American Public Health Association and 2023 Georgia Public Health Association annual conferences.
Pediatric Pathways Program (PPP)
The QRL is collaborating with Dr. April Hartman to develop a training program for
middle school and medical school students with the goal of developing the skills needed
to get an accurate history of mental and/or behavioral health concerns, asking about
substance use, and addressing social determinants of health in a way that is culturally
sensitive and compassionate. QRL affiliate Dr. Darla Linville will conduct focus groups with middle school and medical school students regarding
their experiences with the PPP program in order to improve its efficacy. Dr. Melanie O’Meara and theater students are heading the training efforts using a theater model. The
pilot program takes place June 2023 on the Summerville Campus and includes faculty
from across the campuses.
Influence of Social Media on Anesthesiology Residency Decisions
Dr. Angela Bratton has collaborated with Dr. Caryl Bailey, Assistant Professor Anesthesiology,
and students Amelia Vu and Andy Nguyen in their research on recruitment barriers in
the field of anesthesiology. Their work is to be presented at the American Society
of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting in San Francisco and will be submitted for publication.
Foster Care Transition into Higher Education
The QRL has teamed with Dr. Stacie Pettit and her research team focusing on understanding
educational experiences of children raised in foster care. This collaboration includes
training and conducting analysis of focus groups.
