Focus Groups In Social Research

There is an increasing divergence of focus group practice between social researchers and commercial market researchers. This book addresses the key issues and practical requirements of the social researcher, namely: the kinds of social research issues for which focus groups are most and least suitable; optimum group size and composition; and the designing of focusing exercises, facilitation and appropriate analysis. The authors use examples, drawn from their own focus groups research experience, and provide exercises for further study. They address the three main components of composition, conduct and analysis in focus group research and also acknowledge the increasing impact the Internet has had on social research by cover

In highlighting the unique features of focus groups, Cyr explains how they can help social science researchers effectively answer certain research questions.

Publisher description

This extensively revised edition of Focus Groups as Qualitative Research reflects the many changes that have occurred in the study of focus groups in recent years.

Focus Group Methodology is an introductory text which leads readers through the entire process of designing a focus group study, from conducting interviews to analysing data and presenting the findings. It also includes discussions on cross-cultural and virtual focus group. Liamputtong presents clear, practical advice in simple terms which will be appropriate for undergraduate and postgraduate students who are undertaking research, making this an ideal starter text for anyone new to focus group research. Like her previous book, Researching the Vulnerable, Liamputtong′s latest work pays close attention to research ethics and will also be of great interest to researchers who are working with different social groups - such as women, men, older people, children and ethnic groups - and anybody who is engaging in cross-cultural research. Illustrated with case studies and examples throughout, this is a perfect introduction to focus group methods for students and new researchers alike.

Focus groups are an ever popular method for collecting qualitative data in the social sciences. Doing Focus Groups provides practical advice on planning and organizing successful groups. Rose Barbour discusses the advantages and limitations of using group discussion and demonstrates effective methods for collecting and analysing data.

A 2021 AERA Qualitative Research SIG Outstanding Book Award winner Focus Groups: Culturally Responsive Approaches for Qualitative Inquiry and Program Evaluation takes an in-depth look at how culturally-responsive focus groups are developed and implemented within the context of qualitative inquiry broadly, and program evaluation more specifically. The book showcases various forms of focus groups and how they can be responsive to specific communities across different disciplines. This book provides: an historical perspective on focus groups a theoretical foundation helpful for supporting focus groups with marginalized groups, vulnerable populations (older adults, children), and participants within non-Western settings basic procedures for conducting focus groups guidelines for cultural responsiveness and case examples of alternative approaches to focus groups that target specific communities and those in different contexts. It also considers ethical issues around the use of culturally responsive focus groups, while providing guidance on analyzing and interpreting your data and establishing the credibility of your study. Focus Groups is an information rich resource for qualitative researchers and program evaluators at various levels who want to learn about or enhance their knowledge on designing and conducting culturally responsive focus groups. Perfect for courses such as: Foundations of Culturally Responsive Focus Groups | Culturally Responsive Approaches to Program Evaluation Practicing Qualitative Program Evaluation | Qualitative Research: Culturally Responsive Methods | Focus Groups in Research | Introduction to Qualitative Methods | Methods in Educational Research | Program Evaluation Practice | Designing Qualitative Research

`I read this book in a single sitting. It is written in an enthusiastic, helpful and clear style that held my attention, and made me want to read what came next. I shall read it again in a single sitting - probably more than once. For it offers common-sense advice about planning and running focus groups which I will want to revisit′ - British Journal of Education Technology The Third Edition of the `standard′ for learning how to conduct a focus group contains: a new chapter comparing and contrasting market research, academic, nonprofit and participatory approaches to focus group research; expanded descriptions on how to plan focus group studies and do the analysis, including step-by-step procedures; examples of questions that ask participants to do more than just discuss, and suggestions on how to answer questions about your focus group research.