Focus groups
Which of the following is not a limitation of the focus group method?
The researcher has little control over how the discussion proceeds
It reveals the way social meanings are jointly constructed
It produces a large volume of data that can be difficult to analyse
People in groups tend to agree and express socially desirable views
It reveals the way social meanings are jointly constructed
Focus groups have numerous disadvantages, some of which can also be interpreted as strengths. The larger number of interviewees in each session means that the participants, rather than the researcher, have control over the discussion; a vast amount of data is produced; and group interaction can affect the way opinions are expressed. One of the features of this method that is not seen as a limitation, however, is that the group interaction reveals the way individuals construct, account for and modify their viewpoints in the context of social relationships.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 520-522
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 520-522
It reveals the way social meanings are jointly constructed Focus groups have numerous disadvantages, some of which can also be interpreted as strengths. The larger number of interviewees in each session means that the participants, rather than the researcher, have control over the discussion; a vast amount of data is produced; and group interaction can affect the way opinions are expressed. One of the features of this method that is not seen as a limitation, however, is that the group interaction reveals the way individuals construct, account for and modify their viewpoints in the context of social relationships.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 520-522
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 520-522
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
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
Leave a Reply