This is the first text to advance beyond traditional research methods for promoting community health by presenting a new paradigm that integrates qualitative and quantitative research methods. Written for graduate students of public health and practicing researchers, the book highlights new technologies and methodologies that are particularly suited to addressing complex health issues, translating research into action, and engaging the community and relevant stakeholders.

Table of Contents

• Contributors
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• PART I: INTRODUCTION
• 1. Community Health Research in the 21st Century - Jessica G. Burke, Jeanette Trauth, and Steven M. Albert
• PART II: INFERRING THE MEANING OF NUMBERS
• 2. Spatial Analysis of Communities - Ann C. Klassen, Frank Curriero, Loni Philip Tabb, and Amy Carroll-Scott
• 3. Agent-Based Modeling of Factors Influencing Community Health - John J. Grefenstette and Jessica G. Burke
• 4. A Network Approach to Community Health Research - Christopher Keane
• 5. Realist Review and Evaluation: What Do We Know About What Works? - Maritt Kirst and Patricia O'Campo
• PART III: INFERRING THE MEANING OF WORDS
• 6. System Dynamics and Community Health - Kristen Hassmiller Lich, Karen Minyard, Rebecca Niles, Gaurav Dave, and Emily M. Gillen
• 7. Concept Mapping for Community Perceptions - Renee E. Walker, Jennifer R. Jones, and Jessica G. Burke
• 8. Visual Voices as a Method for Community Engagement in Research and Action - Rebecca D. Ochtera, Kimberly J. Rak, and Michael A. Yonas
• 9. News Media Analysis: Influence on Community Health Behaviors and Practices - Katherine Clegg Smith
• PART IV: CONCLUSIONS
• 10. Advancing Community Health Using Emerging Research Methods - Jessica G. Burke, Jennifer R. Jones, and Helen I. Meissner