The purpose of this module is to describe the fundamentals of implementation research (IR) methodologies including study design, data collection methods, data analysis, presentation and interpretation of IR findings with the objective of enhancing their uptake and use by target audiences.

This module covers the concepts of: a. Research approach; b. Research designs c. Data collection methods; d. Data analysis; and, e. Data presentation. The overall pathway followed by the module is outlined in Figure 1. These concepts are illustrated through examples of completed IR projects. The module describes IR study design and research methodologies at a general level, and does not replace materials that specialize in research methodologies. For those interested in further information, many useful resources are available to supplement this module. Some of these key materials are signposted in the module

After reviewing of this module, you should be able to:

• Describe the designs commonly used in IR projects.
• Identify the strengths of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches in IR data collection.
• Select the appropriate data collection approaches and tools for your IR project(s).
• Describe the sampling processes used for both quantitative and qualitative research tools.
• Highlight relevant ethical issues in data collection.
• Describe appropriate data analysis processes for both quantitative and qualitative data and for mixed methods approaches.
• Describe various formats of data presentation.

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