Focus group, a data gathering method

Introduction: Using focus group to collect data is a valuable method for qualitative researchers. This method is being used increasingly in nursing research. It can provide rich information about a special topic through group dynamics. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on character...

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Main Authors: Sh. Khosravi, Zh. Abed saeedi
Format: Article
Language:fas
Published: Iran University of Medical Sciences 2011-02-01
Series:نشریه پرستاری ایران
Subjects:
Online Access:http://ijn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-910-en.html
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spelling doaj-6207d98b644d450a9cb27b560d2171442020-11-25T03:17:30ZfasIran University of Medical Sciencesنشریه پرستاری ایران2008-59312011-02-0123681930Focus group, a data gathering methodSh. Khosravi0Zh. Abed saeedi1 Doctoral Student, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (*Corresponding Author) Tell: 09121714150 Assistant Professor in Health Care Service Management, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti Universaly of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Introduction: Using focus group to collect data is a valuable method for qualitative researchers. This method is being used increasingly in nursing research. It can provide rich information about a special topic through group dynamics. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on characteristics of and implementing focus group as a data collection method.   Content: A focus group is a semi-structured group session which is moderated by a group leader and held in an informal setting to collect information about a designated topic. The main characteristic of a focus group is the presentation of information and knowledge through interaction between the moderator and the group, as well as group members. Open-ended questions result in extended, in-depth and rich information. Also, participants' non-verbal responses can complete their verbal responses. Focus groups are used to study several qualitative subjects in the fields of politics, consumers' satisfaction, health subjects, quality of care evaluation, designing instruments and so on.   Main components of a focus group include skilled moderator, proper participants, appropriate place and time, and correct implementation of the process. The moderator is responsible not only for guiding the participants through the discussion, but also for looking after the group dynamics to ensure that all participants dominate the discussion. Ideally, two people will be needed to conduct each focus group, one as the moderator and the other as note-taker. Using a discussion guide can help in effective data collection and the researcher can also use probing questions to reach in-depth information. Selecting proper participants is necessary, and sampling is usually purposive in which individuals with common experience about the phenomena under investigation, are selected. Time and the place of performing a group discussion must be proportionate to the subject and participants` condition. Tape recording and verbatim transcription along with field notes are usual methods of documenting data in focus groups.   Conclusion: Focus group is a carefully planned series of discussions, designed to obtain perceptions on a defined area of interest in a permissive, non-threatening environment. A well-organized and guided group discussion results in rich and in-depth information about the phenomena at interest. However, this method has its own strengths and weaknesses which must be considered.http://ijn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-910-en.htmlfocus group - group interview - group discussion - data collection - qualitative research
collection DOAJ
language fas
format Article
sources DOAJ
author Sh. Khosravi
Zh. Abed saeedi
spellingShingle Sh. Khosravi
Zh. Abed saeedi
Focus group, a data gathering method
نشریه پرستاری ایران
focus group - group interview - group discussion - data collection - qualitative research
author_facet Sh. Khosravi
Zh. Abed saeedi
author_sort Sh. Khosravi
title Focus group, a data gathering method
title_short Focus group, a data gathering method
title_full Focus group, a data gathering method
title_fullStr Focus group, a data gathering method
title_full_unstemmed Focus group, a data gathering method
title_sort focus group, a data gathering method
publisher Iran University of Medical Sciences
series نشریه پرستاری ایران
issn 2008-5931
publishDate 2011-02-01
description Introduction: Using focus group to collect data is a valuable method for qualitative researchers. This method is being used increasingly in nursing research. It can provide rich information about a special topic through group dynamics. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on characteristics of and implementing focus group as a data collection method.   Content: A focus group is a semi-structured group session which is moderated by a group leader and held in an informal setting to collect information about a designated topic. The main characteristic of a focus group is the presentation of information and knowledge through interaction between the moderator and the group, as well as group members. Open-ended questions result in extended, in-depth and rich information. Also, participants' non-verbal responses can complete their verbal responses. Focus groups are used to study several qualitative subjects in the fields of politics, consumers' satisfaction, health subjects, quality of care evaluation, designing instruments and so on.   Main components of a focus group include skilled moderator, proper participants, appropriate place and time, and correct implementation of the process. The moderator is responsible not only for guiding the participants through the discussion, but also for looking after the group dynamics to ensure that all participants dominate the discussion. Ideally, two people will be needed to conduct each focus group, one as the moderator and the other as note-taker. Using a discussion guide can help in effective data collection and the researcher can also use probing questions to reach in-depth information. Selecting proper participants is necessary, and sampling is usually purposive in which individuals with common experience about the phenomena under investigation, are selected. Time and the place of performing a group discussion must be proportionate to the subject and participants` condition. Tape recording and verbatim transcription along with field notes are usual methods of documenting data in focus groups.   Conclusion: Focus group is a carefully planned series of discussions, designed to obtain perceptions on a defined area of interest in a permissive, non-threatening environment. A well-organized and guided group discussion results in rich and in-depth information about the phenomena at interest. However, this method has its own strengths and weaknesses which must be considered.
topic focus group - group interview - group discussion - data collection - qualitative research
url http://ijn.iums.ac.ir/article-1-910-en.html
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