Generating Meta-Inferences for Program Improvement: Mixed Methods Integration through Joint Displays for Program Evaluation

• In Event: Conducting and disseminating high quality mixed methods research: Exemplars and advice

Abstract

This proposal presents three novel mixed methods joint displays for a community-engaged, transformative program evaluation. These joint displays showing preliminary findings are part of an ongoing mixed methods evaluation of initiatives in a CDC Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program that aims to reduce Opioid overdoses and related harms. Joint displays unite integrated quantitative and qualitative results visually to produce new insights or claims; our methodological innovation is to show how these insights (meta-inferences) can be formulated as actionable recommendations for a program evaluation and its interest holders. Furthermore, these meta-inferences show how integration beyond the results level in a multi-stage mixed methods evaluation study can troubleshoot current implementation challenges that hamper the effectiveness of program activities.

Authors

• Laura Monkman, University of Michigan

• Dhitinut Ratnapradipa, Creighton University

• Timothy Guetterman, University of Michigan