Focus Groups

Question 1

Focus group?

Answer 1

A qualitative research technique in which people are informally interviewed in a group discussion setting.

Question 2

Procedure? (4)

Answer 2

• Decide in size ( 6- 12 normally)
• Get homogeneous composition
• Get other groups : typically 4-6 groups
• Stop when no new information - saturation in responses

Question 3

What does the moderator do? (2)

Answer 3

• Follow an interview guide

- Facilitates free, open discussions

Question 4

What are the advantages? (6)

Answer 4

• Promotes open expression of ideas
• Data in social environment
• Flexible, speedy, low-cost
• Easier to get information from marginalised groups (more likely to share if surrounded by people like them)
• Can help for survey research
• Participants ask each other questions, explain their answers

Question 5

What are the disadvantages? (5)

Answer 5

• Only one or few topics covered
• Less control when sensitive issues
• Difficult to reconcile differences that arise
• Polarisation effect: people lean towards different positions (influenced)
• Possibility of group think

Question 6

Oral History?

Answer 6

One to one interview used to gather info about historical events. (important to look at events that aren’t recorded or documented (at all or) objectively)