Research Presentation

Training and Assessing Communication Skills Using Virtual Human Technology: A Mixed Methods Investigation

This presentation describes a long-term, mixed methods investigation to explore, test and evaluate virtual human technology for its potential to enhance training and assessment of health communication skills.

A recently concluded mixed methods trial with the virtual human software found evidence of improved verbal and nonverbal communication skills relative to a computer-based control module condition. Using mixed methods that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches, ongoing research aims to: 1) understand how participation in the virtual human training led to improvement; 2) refine a conceptual model of nonverbal communication; and 3) develop and test an automated assessment of nonverbal communication in the virtual human software.

Date: Thursday, March 7
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center - Unity Room (212)

The research presentation is free, open to the public and requires no registration.

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Workshop

Integration of qualitative and quantitative methods is the key feature of mixed methods research that distinguishes it from other approaches. However, integration remains vague, elusive and a challenge for researchers.

Joint displays are a way to visually integrate qualitative and quantitative results, and to represent integration in proposals, manuscripts and dissertations. Joint displays have emerged as a state-of-the art procedure in mixed methods research.

The workshops are open to the public but require registration. Space is limited.

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Workshop Part 1

Joint Displays to Facilitate and Represent the Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Mixed Methods Studies – Part 1

Part 1 of the workshop will introduce integration in mixed methods research, provide several strategies for achieving integration and discuss exemplar joint displays.

Date: Thursday, March 7
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center - Unity Room (212)

Workshop Part 2

Joint Displays to Facilitate and Represent the Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Mixed Methods Studies – Part 2

Part 2 of the workshop will focus on selecting an appropriate joint display and constructing a joint display. We will review templates to assist with the process.

Date: Friday, March 8
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center - Unity Room (212)