A Practical Guide to Focus-Group Research

Abstract

This article guides readers through the decisions and considerations involved in conducting focus-group research investigations into students' learning experiences. One previously published focus-group study is used as an illustrative example, along with other examples from the field of pedagogic research in geography higher education. An approach to deciding whether to use focus groups is suggested, which includes a consideration of when focus groups are preferred over one-to-one interviews. Guidelines for setting up and designing focus-group studies are outlined, ethical issues are highlighted, the purpose of a pilot study is reviewed, and common focus-group analysis and reporting styles are outlined.

A Focus Group Study of Predictors of Relapse in Electronic Gaming Machine Problem Gambling, Part 1: Factors that ‘Push’ Towards Relapse

“…The groups were conducted in a planned and standardised fashion (Breen 2006) by two researchers (JO and DS). Audiotapes were transcribed and the text was analysed using thematic analysis, within a grounded theory framework, including open coding, axial coding, constant comparative analysis, generation of theories and synthesis of the data (Strauss and Corbin 1990).…”

A Focus Group Study of Predictors of Relapse in Electronic Gaming Machine Problem Gambling, Part 2: Factors that ‘Pull’ the Gambler Away from Relapse

“…Two researchers (JO and DS) conducted the groups in a planned and standardised fashion (Breen 2006). Audiotapes were transcribed and the text was analysed using thematic analysis, within a grounded theory framework, including open coding, axial coding, constant comparative analysis, generation of theories and synthesis of the data (Strauss and Corbin 1990).…”

Diagnóstico y evaluación de transporte de mercancías por ferrocarril en Colombia

“…Estos grupos deben ser lo suficientemente pequeños como para permitir la oportunidad a cada participante de compartir su discernimiento de las cosas, y a la vez lo suficientemente grandes como para proveer diversidad de percepciones; un número adecuado es entre seis y doce participantes [28].…”