CAPS Methods Core

The Methods Core will advance the scientific mission of CAPS by maximizing the impact and scientific rigor of the research conducted by CAPS scientists by promoting the use of optimal methods, new tools, and best practices. Scientific methods make it possible for CAPS scientists to conduct research of the highest caliber to help reduce and ultimately end the HIV epidemic. However, it can be difficult for scientists to determine which research methods and technologies from a continually growing list best suit the needs of specific research questions and projects. Given changes in the epidemic, the concomitantly growing number of methods and technologies available to respond to the epidemic, shifting federal and non-federal funding research priorities, the increasing number of available study designs, data sources, data analysis approaches, and the growing complexity of these methods and technologies, the Methods Core will ensure that CAPS investigators are equipped to meet these challenges, particularly for addressing the priority thematic areas for CAPS. The Core will promote optimal use of rigorous methods leading to high impact studies via these specific aims: (1) Address needs for training and consultation on foundational and innovative study designs; (2) Foster and leverage use of emergent technologies and multiple data sources in HIV research; and (3) Promote application of advanced analytic methods and mixed methods in HIV research. Innovations include the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted precision learning plans for CAPS scientists and the use of scientist-supervised AI in data collection, management, and analysis. The Methods Core will also emphasize mixed methods in the proposed project period. The Methods Core will also continue to provide its ongoing services, which include: (1) consultations on refining research questions, study design, measures, data sources, sample size, and methods of analysis; (2) optimizing the presentation of research methods and rigorous, reproducible results in NIH grant proposals, conference presentations, peer-reviewed articles, and communications to communities affected by HIV; and (3) participating in intramural pre-submission peer reviews of grant proposals and manuscripts, responses to extramural reviews, and resubmissions. The Core will also elevate awareness of best practices on data de-identification for preserving participant confidentiality in the context of increasing requirements by NIH and journal outlets for the distribution of data for public access. Through these activities, the Methods Core will contribute crucially to the rigorous research needed to end the HIV epidemic.

The Methods Core provides technical support to CAPS researchers and affiliated scientists in the following areas:

  • Sample size planning, statistical and epidemiological analysis, and study design
  • Design and analysis of qualitative and mixed methods research studies
  • Biomedical and behavioral measurement selection
  • Data collection, integration, analysis, and management methods

Core investigators may also be available to serve as collaborators on research projects needing more extensive technical support.

Example Consultation Topics

  • Grant proposal development, including collaborating on drafting sample size justifications and data analysis plans
  • Mixed methods study design, implementation, and analysis
  • Computational methods (i.e., Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, etc.) and data sources selection (i.e., Electronic Health Records, Clinical Notes, Geographical Data, Social Media, etc.)
  • Survey measure selection, questionnaire design, and cognitive interviewing
  • Focus group and interview guide development
  • Recommendations for manuscript and conference presentation data analyses
  • Statistical consultation on analyses being conducted for conference abstracts and for manuscript submissions
  • Assistance in responding to methods-related reviewer comments for grant proposals or manuscript submissions

To request assistance, contact Dr. Tor Neilands. Please submit requests for assistance at least 4 weeks ahead of when budget and staffing information must be finalized.

Peer Review

Core scientists are available to offer peer review of conference abstracts, manuscripts, and proposals. Send peer review requests to Stuart Gaffney.

Seminars and Workshops

The Qualitative Working Group (QWG) hosts an annual seminar series and has an electronic forum to share ideas, tips, and mutual support, and is open to all. Contact Dr. Kim Koester for information regarding upcoming workshops and for information about joining the online networking forum.

We also organize study design and analysis seminars and workshops for CAPS and affiliated scientists to learn about recent developments in study design and quantitative analytical methods. Past quantitative seminars and workshop materials are archived. Contact Dr. Tor Neilands for information regarding upcoming workshops.

Methods Core Staff and Areas of Expertise

  • Tor Neilands, Ph.D., Director: Behavioral statistics, questionnaire validation, latent variable modeling, regression models, analysis of clustered data, and the SAS, Stata, and Mplus statistical software packages
  • Edwin Charlebois, Ph.D., MPH, Co-Director: Epidemiology, biomedical measurement, complex study designs, data management
  • Kim Koester, Ph.D., Co-Director: Qualitative research methods, mixed methods, applied policy research, cognitive interviewing, Dedose
  • William Brown III, Ph.D., DrPH, MA, Co-Director. Biomedical informatics, analysis of large data sets (big data), machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), data standards and integration, data visualization, mHealth, and population and public health (including recruitment)
  • Estie Hudes, Ph.D., MPH: Biostatistics, Stata statistical software
  • Hannah Leslie, Ph.D.: Data management, multilevel analysis, scale validation (item-response methods), analysis reproducibility, Stata and R statistical software
  • Lance Pollack, Ph.D.: Behavioral surveillance methods, complex sampling methods, SPSS statistical software

Methods Core YouTube Playlist. Click here.

Methods Core YouTube Playlist graphic