Introduction to the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) from Coursera

This course is aimed at intervention scientists working in any area--including public health, education, criminal justice, and others—interested in learning about an innovative framework for conducting intervention research. This course will show you how to use the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) to: streamline interventions by eliminating inactive components; identify the combination of components that offers the greatest effectiveness without exceeding a defined implementation budget; develop interventions for immediate scalability; look inside the “black box” to understand which intervention components work and which do not; and improve interventions programmatically over time. In this course you will relate the MOST framework to your research objectives; learn how MOST differs from the standard approach to intervention development and evaluation; learn how to complete the preparation and optimization phases of MOST; and become familiar with rigorous and highly efficient experimental designs that will enable you to examine the performance of individual intervention components.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST), a framework for streamlining interventions and identifying effective components

Aimed at intervention scientists working in various fields, including public health, education, and criminal justice

Taught by Linda M Collins and Kate Guastaferro, experts in intervention research

Provides hands-on experience in using MOST to optimize interventions

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) with these activities:

MOST e-Learning Modules

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Explore online tutorials and modules on the MOST framework to supplement course material and enhance comprehension.

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Identify and access reputable e-learning platforms
Enroll in and complete MOST-related modules or courses

Peer Support Network

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Connect with fellow students to provide mutual support and guidance on understanding and applying the MOST framework.

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Reach out to classmates or peers
Form study groups or discussion forums
Engage in peer-to-peer learning and troubleshooting

MOST Resources Collection

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Gather relevant resources (e.g., articles, tutorials, videos) on the MOST framework to enhance understanding and application.

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Search for and gather resources related to the MOST framework
Organize the resources into a central location or repository

Four other activities

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Model experimental design

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Create mock intervention designs using the MOST framework to develop a deep understanding of its components.

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Review the MOST framework components and principles
Identify a research question and intervention
Design an experimental model and specify its components
Evaluate the design for feasibility and rigor

MOST Workshop

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Attend a workshop on the MOST framework to gain in-depth knowledge and practical guidance from experts.

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Identify and register for relevant workshops
Attend the workshop and actively participate

MOST Analysis Project

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Apply the MOST framework to a real-world intervention research project to gain hands-on experience.

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Identify a suitable intervention research project
Develop a research plan using the MOST framework
Implement the intervention and collect data
Analyze the data and draw conclusions

MOST Implementation Challenge

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Participate in a competition to design and implement an intervention using the MOST framework.

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Identify and register for a relevant competition
Develop a project proposal and implementation plan
Implement the intervention and collect data
Submit the project for evaluation

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Intervention Scientist

An Intervention Scientist is an in-demand role within the fields of public health, education, criminal justice, and others, focused on the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions to address social and behavioral issues. This course would be highly beneficial for aspiring Intervention Scientists, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework. MOST is an innovative approach that streamlines interventions, identifies effective components, and enables scalability, all of which are crucial skills for Intervention Scientists seeking to develop and evaluate impactful interventions.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists play a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative solutions. The MOST framework, covered in this course, provides a structured approach for conducting rigorous and efficient intervention research. By learning MOST, Research Scientists can enhance their ability to design and evaluate interventions, leading to more effective and impactful research outcomes.

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Program Evaluator

Program Evaluators assess the effectiveness and impact of programs and interventions. This course introduces the MOST framework, which provides a systematic approach to intervention evaluation. By understanding MOST, Program Evaluators can improve the quality and rigor of their evaluations, leading to more informed decision-making and improved program outcomes.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials and experiences. This course delves into the MOST framework, which helps optimize interventions by identifying effective components and maximizing impact. By learning MOST, Instructional Designers can enhance the effectiveness of their instructional materials and learning experiences.

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Public Health Analyst

Public Health Analysts play a critical role in improving public health outcomes through data analysis and research. The MOST framework, covered in this course, provides a structured approach for intervention research, enabling Public Health Analysts to design and evaluate interventions more effectively. By understanding MOST, they can contribute to evidence-based decision-making and improve population health.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational programs and materials. This course introduces the MOST framework, which provides a systematic approach to intervention design and optimization. By understanding MOST, Curriculum Developers can enhance the effectiveness and impact of their educational programs.

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Education Consultant

Education Consultants provide guidance and support to educational institutions and organizations. The MOST framework, covered in this course, offers a structured approach for evaluating educational interventions. By learning MOST, Education Consultants can enhance their ability to assess the effectiveness of educational programs and provide evidence-based recommendations for improvement.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals, families, and communities facing social and behavioral challenges. This course introduces the MOST framework, which provides a systematic approach for designing and evaluating interventions. By understanding MOST, Social Workers can enhance the effectiveness of their interventions and improve outcomes for their clients.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop policies to address public issues. The MOST framework, covered in this course, provides a structured approach for evaluating the effectiveness of policies. By understanding MOST, Policy Analysts can enhance their ability to assess the impact of policies and make evidence-based recommendations for improvement.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights and inform decision-making. The MOST framework, covered in this course, provides a structured approach for analyzing intervention data. By understanding MOST, Data Analysts can enhance their ability to extract meaningful insights from intervention data and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.

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Project Manager

Project Managers oversee and manage projects to ensure their successful completion. The MOST framework, covered in this course, provides a structured approach for managing intervention projects. By understanding MOST, Project Managers can enhance their ability to plan, execute, and evaluate intervention projects effectively.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights and inform decision-making. The MOST framework, covered in this course, provides a structured approach for analyzing intervention data. By understanding MOST, Statisticians can enhance their ability to design and conduct rigorous statistical analyses of intervention data.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease and injury in populations. The MOST framework, covered in this course, provides a structured approach for evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions. By understanding MOST, Epidemiologists can enhance their ability to design and evaluate intervention studies and contribute to evidence-based public health practice.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators plan, direct, and coordinate healthcare services. The MOST framework, covered in this course, provides a structured approach for evaluating the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. By understanding MOST, Healthcare Administrators can enhance their ability to assess the impact of healthcare interventions and make evidence-based decisions to improve patient care.

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Quality Improvement Specialist

Quality Improvement Specialists work to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. The MOST framework, covered in this course, provides a structured approach for evaluating the effectiveness of quality improvement interventions. By understanding MOST, Quality Improvement Specialists can enhance their ability to design and evaluate interventions and contribute to improved patient outcomes.

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