Case
Abstract
The case study illustrates how I designed and utilized a concurrent triangulation mixed methods approach in my Doctor of Public Health dissertation research, which investigated childhood obesity perceptions (obesity risk factors, health complications associated with obesity, weight status, built-environment features, and obesity prevention approaches) among African American caregivers. I used primary data collection methods due to the nature of my study and research questions. Thus, I administered surveys and conducted semi-structured interviews across different communities in a rural county in Georgia, United States. I integrated three levels of the Social Ecological Model (e.g., intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community) and the Social Cognitive Theory constructs (i.e., reciprocal determinism, outcome expectations, observational learning, moral disengagement, self-efficacy, behavioral capability, and environment) into my qualitative and quantitative instruments. In this case study, I explain why I selected a concurrent triangulation mixed methods approach and describe how I collected, analyzed, and interpreted the quantitative and qualitative data. In addition, I present the practicalities of conducting my research, including engaging rural county members and lessons learned that can inform future research efforts.
