Focus groups
What are the two main forms of group interaction that Kitzinger identifies in focus group sessions?
Altruistic and aggressive
Complementary and argumentative
Conventional and alternative
Passive and assertive
Complementary and argumentative
Kitzinger (1994, cited on page 512) suggests that there are two main types of group interaction that can be helpful in focus group research. ‘Complementary’ interaction occurs when group members agree and build on each other’s remarks to develop a group viewpoint; ‘argumentative’ interaction occurs when members challenge or criticise each other, which can force people to reflect on and modify their viewpoints in a constructive way. If a group is fairly passive, the moderator may try to stimulate discussion based on one or other type of interaction.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 512-514
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 512-514
Complementary and argumentative Kitzinger (1994, cited on page 512) suggests that there are two main types of group interaction that can be helpful in focus group research. ‘Complementary’ interaction occurs when group members agree and build on each other’s remarks to develop a group viewpoint; ‘argumentative’ interaction occurs when members challenge or criticise each other, which can force people to reflect on and modify their viewpoints in a constructive way. If a group is fairly passive, the moderator may try to stimulate discussion based on one or other type of interaction.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 512-514
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 512-514
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Why have feminists argued that focus groups successfully avoid “decontextualizing” their participants?A. Because they study the individual as part of a social context
B. Because they tend to be carried out by female researchers
C. Because moderating a focus group demands great technical knowledge
D. Because the data tends to be analysed using post-structuralist theories
What is the role of the moderator in a focus group?
A. To stimulate discussion and keep the conversation on track
B. To ask leading questions and dominate the discussion
C. To sit away from the group and observe their behaviour
D. To evaluate the group’s performance on a particular task
When might it be useful to conduct a relatively large number of focus groups?
A. When participants’ views are likely to be affected by socio-demographic factors
B. When you want to capture as much diversity in perspectives as possible
C. When there are lots of willing volunteers who meet the relevant criteria
D. All of the above
What should the moderator say in their introductory remarks?
A. Thank you to the participants for coming
B. Who they are and what the research is about
C. How the focus group will proceed
D. All of the above
Why is it particularly difficult to get an accurate record and transcript of a focus group session?
A. Because the researcher often forgets to take notes
B. Because focus groups are transcribed several years after they are conducted
C. Because you cannot use a tape recorder in a focus group
D. Because there are so many different voices to follow
What is the main difference between a focus group and a group interview?
A. Group interviews involve fewer participants
B. Focus groups are used to study the way people discuss a specific topic
C. There is no moderator present in a focus group
D. Focus groups save more time and money
How have focus groups been used in media and cultural studies?
A. To plan champagne receptions
B. To investigate birth and conception
C. To explore audience reception
D. To measure TV reception
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