Focus groups
When might it be useful to conduct a relatively large number of focus groups?
When participants’ views are likely to be affected by socio-demographic factors
When you want to capture as much diversity in perspectives as possible
When there are lots of willing volunteers who meet the relevant criteria
All of the above
All of the above
Although it is not the principal aim of the qualitative researcher to obtain a representative sample, they should nevertheless be aware of any “stratifying criteria” that might influence the results, such as the participants’ age, gender and social class. Recruiting a larger sample and conducting more focus groups can be a good way of managing this, especially when there are plenty of people willing to participate. We might also remember, at this point, the concept of ‘theoretical saturation’ (see chapter 18). Diminishing returns set in after a relatively small number of focus group meetings.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 503-505
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 503-505
All of the above Although it is not the principal aim of the qualitative researcher to obtain a representative sample, they should nevertheless be aware of any “stratifying criteria” that might influence the results, such as the participants’ age, gender and social class. Recruiting a larger sample and conducting more focus groups can be a good way of managing this, especially when there are plenty of people willing to participate. We might also remember, at this point, the concept of ‘theoretical saturation’ (see chapter 18). Diminishing returns set in after a relatively small number of focus group meetings.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 503-505
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 503-505
Related posts
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
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
Leave a Reply