Focus groups
What is the role of the moderator in a focus group?
To stimulate discussion and keep the conversation on track
To ask leading questions and dominate the discussion
To sit away from the group and observe their behaviour
To evaluate the group’s performance on a particular task
To stimulate discussion and keep the conversation on track
The moderator or facilitator of a focus group generally takes a non-directive role in the proceedings, asking general questions that will provoke a discussion and making sure that everyone has a chance to speak. They will attempt to keep the conversation focused on the topic in question and guide “rambling” participants back to the “track”. It is true that low structure is necessary to facilitate group discussion initiatives and digressions are inevitable. However, it is also true that the moderator must provide some structure so that the research questions may be addressed within a reasonable time frame.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 506-508
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 506-508
To stimulate discussion and keep the conversation on track The moderator or facilitator of a focus group generally takes a non-directive role in the proceedings, asking general questions that will provoke a discussion and making sure that everyone has a chance to speak. They will attempt to keep the conversation focused on the topic in question and guide “rambling” participants back to the “track”. It is true that low structure is necessary to facilitate group discussion initiatives and digressions are inevitable. However, it is also true that the moderator must provide some structure so that the research questions may be addressed within a reasonable time frame.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 506-508
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 506-508
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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
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
What are the two main forms of group interaction that Kitzinger identifies in focus group sessions?
A. Altruistic and aggressive
B. Complementary and argumentative
C. Conventional and alternative
D. Passive and assertive
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