Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation-CADRE
Ethnographic Methods and Implementation Core
The Ethnographic Methods and Implementation Core (EMIC) is comprised of investigator, analysts, and transcribers with expertise in qualitative and implementation science epistemology, methods, theory, and analysis. EMIC provides scientific leadership as well as instrumental and technical support for VA research and quality improvement projects. EMIC investigators have expertise in mixed and multi-method health services and clinical applications of ethnographic research and design, implementation science, program evaluation, human factors, and public health. A strength of EMIC is their experience using a variety of qualitative and ethnographic procedures (e.g., individual, group, or focus interviews; structured and open-ended field observation techniques; pile sorting, free listing, and other cognitive approaches; mapping techniques; material culture analysis; and annotation for natural language processing). Analysts share a wealth of techniques for working with sensitive, high status, vulnerable and other research subject populations, with an emphasis on rapport-building, stakeholder perspectives, and integration into “big picture” knowledge and understanding. EMIC analysts also employ a breadth of ethnographic design and analytic approaches such as: the constant comparative method; grounded theory; thematic analysis; discourse analysis; template analysis; rapid ethnographic methods; narrative analysis; or phenomenology. Through monthly EMIC methods seminars available to CADRE investigators and staff, EMIC provides insights into qualitative theory, methodology and the strategies and software employed by them. In addition, the EMIC program manager oversees transcription services, provides IRB assistance, and trains research coordinators on IRB and other project management systems. Technical support for EMIC is supported by an extensive local methods library, digital recording equipment, transcription equipment and software, and qualitive analysis software (MAXQDA).
Members of EMIC:
Jane Moeckli, PhD
Samantha Solimeo, PhD, MPH
Kenda Stewart Steffensmeier, PhD
Aaron Seaman, PhD
Heather Schacht Reisinger, PhD
Kimberly Dukes, PhD
Nicole Johnson, PhD, MA
Cassie Goedken, MPH
Tony Pomales, PhD
Heather Davila, PhD, MPA
Mary Good, PhD
Daniel Ball, PhD MPH
Affiliates:
Stacey Hockett-Sherlock, MAA
Emily Chasco, PhD
DeShauna Jones, PhD
Erin Balkenende, MPH
Ana-Monica Racila, PhD
Dr. Moeckli is a co-Investigator and Director of the Ethnographic Methods and Implementation Core (EMIC). Along with Ms. Monica Paez, EMIC’s program manager, and EMIC co-investigators, she works with core investigators to design qualitative studies, help determine feasibility of planned research, and develop budgets for qualitative research activities, including transcription. Dr. Moeckli oversees EMIC’s involvement in studies, supporting co-investigators in study design and qualitative analysts in study instrument development, data collection, analysis, and dissemination, regulatory issues, and professional development. She also leads qualitative analyses, with numerous peer-reviewed articles on applications of telemedicine in VHA’s special care services. She is a member of the Society for Applied Anthropology.
