BACKGROUND: In public health, we often want to evaluate programs and initiatives that are already underway at the time the evaluation process begins, thus eliminating the possibility of obtaining pre-intervention measures and complicating the evaluation process. The innovative and creative combination of quantitative and qualitative methods can sometimes enable us to elicit useful information we would otherwise miss.
METHODS QUALITATIVE: Interviews and focus groups were conducted in 10 North Carolina communities served by DVUs. These interviews and focus groups were transcribed and analyzed with NUD*IST.
METHODS QUANTITATIVE: Law enforcement officers in communities with DVUs and matched comparison communities without DVUs were surveyed and the data analyzed with SAS.
RESULTS: The qualitative data illuminated both successful and unsuccessful methods for the development, implementation and operation of DVUs. The quantitative survey results showed statistically significant differences in responses from officers in communities with and without DVUs. Combined, the results made a strong argument for the establishment of DVUs in law enforcement agencies.
DISCUSSION: Quantitative and qualitative methods should not be seen as mutually exclusive. Each offers unique opportunities to address evaluation research questions.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about combining qualitative and quantitative methods in evaluation research
Keywords: Evaluation, Methodology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.