focus groups gaynor heading

7/28/2019 Focus Groups Gaynor Heading

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Focus Groups

Discussions

Gaynor Heading PhD

Broken Hill Centre for Remote Health Research

NSW PHCRED Research Method Short Course

June 2005


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Learning ObjectivesAt the end of this session you will be able to:

Explain when to use focus groups

Explain the FG planning process

Write focus group questions

Describe facilitation techniques

List the steps associated with data analysis


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Different Types of Groups

Delphi (consensus) Nominal groups (agreeable solutions)

Brain storming groups (solution focused)

Advisory groups / Reference groups (expertise)

Focus Groups (Interested in a range of views)NOT consensus or decision focused


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Focus Group Considerations

ConsiderResearch /Evaluation question

Method

assumptions

Resources / time

Method advantages/ disadvantages


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Advantages andDisadvantages of FG

Advantages Disadvantages

Explore / probeGroup dynamics

Low cost

SpeedyHigh face validity

Explore / probeGroup dynamics

Low cost

SpeedyHigh face validity

DominantShy

Trained facilitator

Less controlDifficult to assembleVenue suitability

DominantShy

Trained facilitator

Less controlDifficult to assembleVenue suitability


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Focus Group Characteristics?

Respondents possess certain characteristics

Group interaction (benefit)

Focused on a few main topics

Looking for a range of views

A series of groups (not one)


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Focus Group Design Issues

How structured Highly structured

How large 6 - 12

Group composition Homogeneous strangers

Number of groups 3 minimum (4-6)

Design DimensionDesign Dimension Rule of ThumbRule of Thumb


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Planning Focus Groups

Most complex part Purpose clear

Describe problem and purpose of study

Sampling issues

Use of information / results

Resources (timeline / budget)


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Planning - Issues to Address

Process issues

zTo tape / note-take / flip chart

Timing of data analysisz Before second focus group

Facilitator skillsz Rapport; listening; pause;z Probe; neutral; observation;z Leadership; adequate knowledge;zTime management


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Planning cont.

Lists (participants / sample)

The common characteristic (homogeneity)

Venue (suitability / layout)

Team (facilitator / note taker)

Preparation(rapport, equipment, food,demographic survey, reminders)


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Field Note Reporting Form

Information about the Focus Group

Note takers name

Facilitators name

Number and descriptionof participants

Location of FG

Date of Focus Group


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Demographic Survey

Should you use a survey? If yes, what types of questions?

Fill in before focus group commences

ORCapture demographics on tape

Include description of participants in report


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Focus Group Questions

Topics (predetermined)

Topic guide format or actual questions

Number of questions (limit)

Asking questions

(type, open, structured, number)

Probes (not predetermined)


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Types of Questions

1. Opening question 20 seconds2. Introductory question foster conversation

3. Transition questions move to key questions

4. Key questions 2 to 5 typically

5. Ending questions bring closurez All things considered question

z Summary question after oral summaryz Final question - missed anything


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Questions to Avoid

Avoid dichotomous questions

z Did you like the program

Avoid whyquestions

z Imply a rational answer is required


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Facilitating a Focus Group

Welcome (why they were chosen) Overview of the topic

Ground rules (facilitator role, tape /

confidentiality) Demographic survey

Overview of questions

Introductions

The first question


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Other issues to mention

Time commitment

Taping (turning tape on)

Time to ask questions

Structure (whiteboard / cards)

Final comments

Final summary

Forms


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FG Discussion Issues

Card as aide-memoire (optional)

Response from everyone for each question

Phases (introduction, questions, summary)

Ask for participant summary Whiteboard summary

z Group checks main points

Check cards

Call for final comments


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Reinforce Homogeneity

We have invited people with similar

experiences to share their perceptions andideas on this topic

You were invited to the focus group becauseyou all participated in the xxx program


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Facilitator Comments

There are no right or wrong answers

Different points of view

Share your view even if it differs

J ust as interested in negativecomments


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Analysing Focus Group Data

Systemic investigation Rigorous

Skills required (manifest / latent coding / when to use literature)

When to start coding (on field entry before the 2nd FG)z Late coding weakens the analysis

Focus on words (not numbers)

Major themes(word, phrase, sentence, paragraph, entire document)

Not micro analysis (as with indepth interviewing)


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Field Note Reporting Form

Information about the Focus Group

Note takers name

Facilitators name

Number and descriptionof participants

Location of FG

Date of Focus Group


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Field note reporting continued- Responses to Questions

Q1. The most serious problems facing

Notable QuotesBrief summary /

Key Points


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Coding Steps

Read transcript for familiarity Interactive reading

Developing codes

(derived from informant, research question, theoretical framework)

Code book

Developing typologies

Computer assisted coding or hand coding


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Focus Group Analyses

Comparisons

T h e m e s G r o u p 1 G r o u p 2 G r o u p 3


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Reporting 3 Models

Three different reporting styles

1. Raw data model(The question followed by all participant comments)

2. Descriptive model(Summary description followed by illustrative quotes)

3. Interpretative model(Summary description followed by illustrative quotes andinterpretation)


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Reporting

Method

zTopic guidez Sampling

zTime

Results

z Describe groups (number, participants, timing)

z Dataz Organise around key questions (narrative)

z Summary of themes (not limited to questions)

z Interpretation


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References

Morgan, D. L. (1997) Focus Groups asQualitative Research. Thousand Oaks, Sage.

Morgan, D. L. (ed) (1993) Successful FocusGroups: Advancing the State of the Art.Newbury Park, Sage.


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Summary

Homogeneous or heterogeneity Level of structure

Working along or with notetaker

Facilitator skills (ease or difficulty)


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Exercise Theoretical Issues

Matrix


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Exercise

Nominate a topic for investigation.

Write:

Key questions Probes


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Facilitation Exercise

1. Amount of Structure: (Group agreement)

2. Feedback - Note:

question format

body language

group engagement

feelings

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