The Data & Methods Core is dedicated to supporting interdisciplinary, collaborative, and translational research through high-quality infrastructure and expertise in qualitative and mixed methods approaches within the social and behavioral sciences. Our vision is to advance the scope, quality, rigor, and fundability of qualitative and mixed methods research across the social and behavioral science community at Illinois. The Data & Methods Core offers specialized support for researchers utilizing qualitative and mixed methods designs.
Qualitative Research
Our team supports researchers who focus on collecting and analyzing open-ended data—such as interviews, observations, written responses, and documents. Our team is experienced in a wide range of methodological approaches, including thematic analysis and grounded theory, and we work across various philosophical perspectives, such as constructivist and post-positivist. Whether you’re conducting exploratory research or seeking depth and context, we provide guidance tailored to your study’s goals and framework.
Mixed Methods Research
Our team supports researchers who integrate quantitative and qualitative data in a single study or research program. Whether you’re working with concurrent datasets or using one form of data to inform the other, we help design cohesive, rigorous mixed methods strategies tailored to your goals.
Evaluation Services
Our teams provides structured evaluation support for the systematic assessment of programs, interventions, and research initiatives. Core offerings include the development of logic models and evaluation plans, design of data collection tools, data analysis, and preparation of evaluation reports. Services are grounded in best practices from the social and behavioral sciences and are available to projects across disciplines.
How We Support You
As a fee-based service, we collaborate with researchers on project-specific design and analysis strategies. Our services include:
- Research design consultation
- Protocol and data collection plan development
- Customized data analysis plans
- Training in data analysis methods
- Guided analysis and methodological mentorship
- Co-investigator-level data analysis support
Our Process
Our workflow is simple, structured, and designed to meet your project’s unique needs:
- Submit an intake form.
- Schedule a 1-hour consultation.
- Our team meets to determine the scope of support.
- You receive a draft service contract.
- Upon signing, we begin supporting your project.
Fee Structure
- Initial Consultation (up to 1 hour): Complimentary
- Hourly Rate for Unfunded Projects: $
- Hourly Rate for Funded Projects: $
What We Don’t Provide
While our team offers comprehensive methodological support, there are a few areas outside our scope:
- We do not develop research questions for investigators; a clear understanding of your content area is essential before engaging with our team.
- We do not provide transcription services for interviews or other documents.
- We do not offer hands-on training for qualitative data analysis software (e.g., MAXQDA), but we’re happy to connect you with appropriate campus resources.
- We do not provide support for graduate student projects, such as master’s theses or doctoral dissertations involving qualitative or mixed methods designs.