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Linda M Collins and Kate Guastaferro

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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: MOST is a Different Way of Thinking
Module 2: The Factorial Optimization Trial and the Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
Module 3: Some Conceptual and Technical Aspects of the Factorial Experiment
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Module 4: Powering a Factorial Optimization Trial
Module 5: Additional Optimization Trial Designs
Module 6: Rigorous and Responsible Conduct of Optimization Trials
Final Assessment

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops a productive mindset and a structured approach to intervention research, which are useful for both new and experienced researchers
Suitable for individuals with prior knowledge of intervention research, as it assumes familiarity with basic concepts and methodologies
Instructors have extensive experience in intervention research and have published widely in the field, providing credibility to the course content
Covers a range of topics relevant to intervention research, including optimization strategies, experimental designs, and data analysis techniques
Provides practical guidance on conducting intervention research, including tips on designing and implementing interventions, and evaluating their effectiveness
May require additional resources or support for learners who are new to intervention research or who have limited experience with statistical analysis

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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 MOST from a Methodological Perspective with these activities:
Read "Multiphase Optimization Strategy in Intervention Research"
Gain a deeper understanding of the MOST framework by reviewing the seminal work that introduced it.
Show steps
  • Read and summarize the key concepts of the MOST framework.
  • Identify examples of how MOST has been applied in various intervention domains.
MOST Study Design Peer Review
Engage with peers to evaluate and provide feedback on MOST study designs, fostering critical thinking and collaboration.
Browse courses on Peer Review
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  • Present your MOST study design to peers for review.
  • Provide constructive feedback on peers' study designs.
Factorial Experiment Design Exercises
Develop your skills in designing factorial experiments, a key component of MOST.
Browse courses on Optimization Techniques
Show steps
  • Review the principles of factorial experiment design.
  • Complete exercises to design factorial experiments for different intervention scenarios.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
MOST Research Proposal Outline
Synthesize your learning by creating an outline for a research proposal that utilizes the MOST framework.
Browse courses on Intervention Research
Show steps
  • Identify a research question and specific aims related to an intervention.
  • Develop a rationale for using the MOST framework.
  • Outline the design of your proposed MOST optimization trial.
Design an Intervention to Address a Socioeconomic Problem
Create a comprehensive intervention plan that tackles a socioeconomic issue, putting the MOST framework into practice.
Browse courses on Intervention Development
Show steps
  • Identify a socioeconomic problem and its root causes.
  • Develop potential intervention components that address the identified root causes.
  • Design a factorial optimization trial to test the effectiveness of different intervention component combinations.
  • Conduct the trial and analyze the results to identify the most effective intervention.
  • Implement and evaluate the optimized intervention in a real-world setting.

Career center

Learners who complete MOST from a Methodological Perspective will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Intervention Scientist
Intervention Scientists specialize in designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions that aim to solve social problems. This course will equip you with the skills to use the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) to develop and improve interventions in various fields, such as public health, education, and criminal justice. By learning how to identify the most effective combination of intervention components, you can maximize the impact of your interventions and contribute to positive social change.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in various fields, including social sciences and public health. This course will provide you with a framework for conducting rigorous and efficient intervention research using the MOST approach. You will learn how to design experimental trials, analyze data, and interpret results to make evidence-based recommendations for intervention improvement.
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analysts work to improve the health of communities by analyzing data, identifying health risks, and developing and evaluating public health programs. This course will provide you with the skills to use MOST to optimize public health interventions, such as health promotion campaigns, disease prevention programs, and health policy initiatives.
Program Manager
Program Managers oversee the implementation and evaluation of social programs, including those aimed at improving education, healthcare, and workforce development. This course will equip you with the skills to use MOST to design, implement, and evaluate program interventions effectively. You will learn how to identify and eliminate inactive components, develop scalable interventions, and monitor progress to ensure successful program outcomes.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights and inform decision-making. This course will enhance your skills in data analysis and experimental design, enabling you to effectively analyze data from intervention trials using the MOST approach. You will learn to identify patterns, draw meaningful conclusions, and communicate your findings to stakeholders.
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to design and evaluate health interventions using the MOST framework. You will learn how to identify the most effective components for health promotion, develop culturally sensitive interventions, and measure the impact of your programs on health outcomes.
Education Researcher
Education Researchers conduct research to improve educational practices and policies. This course will provide you with the skills to use the MOST approach to design and evaluate educational interventions. You will learn how to identify the most effective components for improving student learning, develop innovative teaching methods, and assess the impact of your interventions on student outcomes.
Criminal Justice Analyst
Criminal Justice Analysts conduct research and analysis to inform criminal justice policy and practice. This course will provide you with the skills to use the MOST approach to design and evaluate criminal justice interventions. You will learn how to identify the most effective components for reducing crime, improving public safety, and rehabilitating offenders.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the distribution and patterns of health and disease in populations. This course will provide you with the skills to use the MOST approach to design and evaluate epidemiological studies. You will learn how to identify risk factors for disease, develop prevention strategies, and evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions.
Applied Statistician
Applied Statisticians use statistical methods to solve real-world problems in various fields. This course will provide you with the skills to use statistical techniques, including experimental design and analysis of variance, in the context of intervention research. You will learn how to design and analyze experiments, draw meaningful conclusions from data, and communicate your findings effectively.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to inform decision-making. This course will provide you with the skills to use the MOST approach to evaluate the effectiveness of public policies. You will learn how to design and conduct evaluation studies, measure policy outcomes, and make recommendations for policy improvement.
Program Evaluation Specialist
Program Evaluation Specialists assess the effectiveness of social programs. This course will provide you with the skills to use the MOST approach to design and conduct program evaluations. You will learn how to develop evaluation plans, collect data, analyze results, and make recommendations for program improvement.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers provide health education and support to individuals and communities. This course may be useful for those interested in learning about the MOST framework for designing and evaluating health interventions. You will gain insights into how to identify the most effective components for improving health outcomes in underserved communities.
Research Assistant
Research Assistants assist researchers in conducting research studies. This course may be useful for those interested in gaining hands-on experience in intervention research. You will learn about the principles of experimental design, data collection, and data analysis in the context of the MOST framework.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and oversee the execution of projects. This course may be useful for those interested in learning about the MOST framework for managing intervention projects. You will gain insights into how to plan, implement, and evaluate intervention projects effectively.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in MOST from a Methodological Perspective.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research design, including different types of experimental designs, sampling methods, and data analysis techniques. It valuable resource for researchers of all levels.
Provides a comprehensive overview of clinical research design, including different types of clinical trials, data collection methods, and statistical analysis techniques. It valuable resource for clinical researchers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of linear models, a statistical technique used to predict the value of a dependent variable based on the values of one or more independent variables. It valuable resource for researchers who are interested in using linear models in their research.
Provides a classic overview of the philosophy of science, including the role of hypothesis testing and falsification in scientific research. It valuable resource for researchers who want to learn more about the foundations of scientific inquiry.
Provides a classic overview of the history and philosophy of science, including the role of paradigms and scientific revolutions in the development of scientific knowledge. It valuable resource for researchers who want to learn more about the history and philosophy of science.
Provides a comprehensive overview of social psychology, including the study of social cognition, social influence, and social behavior. It valuable resource for researchers who are interested in learning more about the field of social psychology.

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