Lecture 22

Question 1

Describe Focus Groups

Answer 1

-Applying interview techniques to groups (n=3+)

Question 2

What is the advantage of a focus group?

Answer 2

• Interactions between participants allows them to discuss experiences
• If the research topic is about communication, a focus group facilitates this

Question 3

What is a limitation of a friendship group being used as.a focus group?

Answer 3

Can bring complex relationships

Question 4

Are discourses fixed?

Answer 4

No

Question 5

What are the pro’s of focus groups?

Answer 5

• Pre-existing groups can talk about shared experiences
• Unknown participants can provide deeper explanations
• A good interviewer steers talking balance
• Close to ‘regular’ interactions of a group

Question 6

What are the con’s of a focus group?

Answer 6

• Pre-existing groups can lead to assumptions and tensions
• Unknown participants forming relationships - might bias responses
• Certain people dominate discussion
• Not a natural environment