Qualitative Primary Methods: Focus Groups - Strengths and Weaknesses Flashcards
Why is time a strength of focus groups? Is it P, E or T?
Focus groups take less time than individual unstructured interviews. This is a Practical Strength
Why is anonymity a weakness of focus groups? Is it P, E or T?
If all of the focus group participants are present, then nothing any one person says can be guaranteed to stay confidential. This is an Ethical Weakness
Why is cost a strength of focus groups? Is it P, E or T?
It costs less to do group interviews than individual interviews. This is a practical strength
Why is social desirability a weakness in focus groups? Is it P, E or T?
Participants may not give their honest answers possibly to impress their friends. This is a theoretical weakness
Why is validity a strength in focus groups? Is it P, E or T?
The participants are in control of the conversation with the researcher only observing. This is a Theoretical Strength
Why is one participant dominating the conversation a weakness for focus groups? Is it P, E or T?
It means that the other people will have less time to talk or express their thoughts. This is a Theoretical Weakness
Why is talking about sensitive topics with peers in focus groups a strength? Is it P, E or T?
They might feel more comfortable to discuss these topics with people they trust. This is an Ethical Strength
Why is managing the group discussion a weakness of focus groups? Is it P, E or T?
If the researcher is not able to manage the discussion, then it could become something less useful to the researcher. This is a practical weakness.
