Health Literacy Research Methods: A Pilot Study Investigation With Adult Beginning Readers

This article describes a case study method developed for a user-centered health literacy pilot study involving vulnerable participants. The method is based on community-based and critical approaches to research and user-centered studies. The pilot study highlights specific challenges and benefits of working with community organizations and of conducting research with adults who are new or beginning readers. Special attention is given to the study design, selection of appropriate materials, and data collection methods in order to minimize bias, empower participants, and ensure data quality and validity.