
Book contents
- The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology
- The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Preface
- Part I Quantitative Data Collection Sources
- Part II Important Methodological Considerations
- Part III Self-Report Measures
- Part IV Behavioral Measures
- Part V Physiological Measures
- Part VI Qualitative Data Collection Sources
- 24 Open-Ended Survey Questions
- 25 Qualitative Archival Data: A Call to Creativity
- 26 Interviews: Processes, Strategies, and Reflections
- 27 Case Studies: A Personal Account of Choices and Dilemmas
- 28 Focus Groups
- 29 Observational Data
- Index
- References
28 - Focus Groups
from Part VI - Qualitative Data Collection Sources
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 December 2024
- The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology
- The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Preface
- Part I Quantitative Data Collection Sources
- Part II Important Methodological Considerations
- Part III Self-Report Measures
- Part IV Behavioral Measures
- Part V Physiological Measures
- Part VI Qualitative Data Collection Sources
- 24 Open-Ended Survey Questions
- 25 Qualitative Archival Data: A Call to Creativity
- 26 Interviews: Processes, Strategies, and Reflections
- 27 Case Studies: A Personal Account of Choices and Dilemmas
- 28 Focus Groups
- 29 Observational Data
- Index
- References
Summary
Focus groups are a qualitative research method that involves a facilitated group discussion to elicit the perspectives of participants. They use group dynamics and encourage communication among research participants. Thus, focus groups are particularly useful for brainstorming ideas and to understand the reasons for differing opinions. They also have broad applicability in social and behavioral science, and the resulting findings can be used to inform practice and policy. This chapter provides an overview of focus group methods, including design, participant selection, conduct, and analysis. It also provides a guide to ensure rigor in conducting and reporting focus group studies. Considerations in conducting focus groups in specific populations, including children and culturally and linguistically diverse populations, will also be discussed along with considerations for using online platforms to conduct such studies.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral SciencesVolume 2: Performing Research, pp. 640 - 664Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2024