The Mixed Methods Laboratory (M&M Laboratory) is an initiative of the Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation Research and provides a forum for methodological exchange amongst researchers interested in applying empirical social research methods in the field of healthcare research. The M&M Lab is headed by Milena von Kutzleben. The M&M Lab works closely with the Q&Q Lab at the chair of Medical Sociology at the University of Cologne.

Expertise and methodological focus

• Qualitative study design planning
• Data collection methods: interviews, focus group discussions, observations
• Analytical methods: content analysis and reconstructive (hermeneutic) methods of qualitative empirical social research
• Various forms of meta-synthesis of qualitative studies (qualitative evidence syntheses)
• Qualitative methods in mixed-methods designs

and

• Planning quantitative study designs
• Survey designs and the development and implementation of standardised quantitative surveys. Consultancy is currently only available to a limited extent.

Our work aims to conduct healthcare research appropriate to the subject matter. With this in mind, we focus on the application and further development of approaches from empirical social research within the field of healthcare research, and pursue the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods (mixed methods).

Our objectives

• Methodological exchange and training: We view the M&M Lab as a vibrant hub for academic exchange and discussion on research methods and innovative approaches. Furthermore, the M&M Lab contributes to the training of early-career researchers through its teaching activities.
• Methodological development: The M&M Laboratory is committed to strengthening and further developing qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods approaches in the interests of health services research that is both context-appropriate and theory-generating.
• Research collaboration: The M&M Laboratory participates in research initiatives that focus on the development and testing of innovative methodological approaches for health services research.