FOCAL GROUP AS A DATA GATHERING TECNIQUE IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH:EXPERIENCE REPORT

• Main Authors: Verônica de Azevedo Mazza, Norma Suely Falcão de Oliveira Melo, Anna Maria Chiesa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal do Paraná 2009-03-01
• Series: Cogitare Enfermagem
• Subjects: Focal group; Research; Methodology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.5380/ce.v14i1.14486

The paper is an experience report, which aim is to describe the focal group with families as a technique togather data in qualitative researches. The focal group organization and planning has a direct impact in the data gathered,so the phases used in this process of planning are presented, because it contributes to effective results in the techniquedevelopment. So, researches should prepare carefully each phase of the group work development. Some points arerelevant to data gathering, among these the group preparation and environment to meet the needs of the children, enablingthen, that participant may have their focus totally directed to the group discussion. Considering the technique particularitiesand its relevance to data quality, the researcher should take up with the study theme, and the focal group should beplanned accordingly with it