The 3DI qualitative core provides resources to support investigators conducting qualitative and mixed-methods VA research. To help you prepare your VA HSR grant, we offer consultations to discuss the integration of qualitative methods into your research plan, selection of appropriate qualitative approaches, and guidance in writing the qualitative methods sections of your grant.  We also provide budget consultations to assess your qualitative staffing needs and to estimate other expenses for qualitative work, including transcription, software, etc.  

We maintain a curated, easy-to-navigate qualitative resource repository on the 3DI Teams Channel that is accessible to all VA staff. 

Services include: 

Qualitative Data Collection & Analysis (available to projects that have incorporated this 3DI qualitative support into their VA HSR grant budgets) 
•    Assign best-fit qualitative core staff to project and aid in supervision of their work or aid in recruitment of qualitative project staff. 
•    Consult on the development and piloting of data collection instruments such as interview and focus group guides.  Review and comment on drafts. 
•    Office hours and/or ad hoc consultation to support research team members during qualitative data collection and analysis by: 
o    addressing questions, concerns, or issues (methodological, ethical, etc.) that arise during data collection or analysis 
o    consulting on the integration of qualitative and quantitative research components 
o    supporting/advising investigators in planning/implementing any necessary mid-stream changes to the qualitative research plan. 

Qualitative Report & Manuscript Preparation (available to projects that have incorporated this 3DI qualitative support into their VA HSR grant budgets): 
•    Expert-level methodologists are available to serve as co-authors or collaborators to review, revise, or help to write content for qualitative and mixed-methods reports and manuscripts. 

The qualitative core also supports qualitative education, development, & capacity-building by: 
•    Mentoring junior faculty/researchers in qualitative methods.   
•    Facilitating access to training for 3DI investigators and research team members wishing to develop stronger skills in qualitative methods. 
•    Providing opportunities to present qualitative works in progress and obtain feedback (or organize dedicated qualitative sessions within existing working/seminar series). 
•    Creating forums for qualitative researchers (investigators and analysts) to discuss program development needs, training needs, administrative issues, etc. 

For additional information, contact [email protected].