Focus groupsasa human dimensions research tool: Three illustrations of their use

Exploring beliefs behind support for and opposition to wildlife management methods: a qualitative study

“…The objective of the qualitative approach is to unpack the causes of and meanings associated with particular phenomena and generate an interpretation of the data that facilitates broader understanding and recognition of important patterns and themes within them. Qualitative methods can provide substantial depth of understanding and explanation and are well suited, although not limited, to exploratory research (Minnis et al 1997;Morgan 1997). In this study, we used focusgroups to reveal specific beliefs about wildlife management methods and explore the concepts around which these beliefs converge and diverge.…”

“…culling, fencing, etc). Lauber et al (2004), Lindsay et al (2007) and Lemelin (2009) using interviews; Minnis et al (1997) and Fischer and Young (2007) using focus-groups;and Bisi et al (2007) using open meetings are amongst the relatively few exceptions. Qualitative research has sometimes been viewed as merely the prelude to a quantitative research exercise, and whilst it can indeed play a very useful 'pre-quantitative' role (Minnis et al 1997), it undoubtedly has a stronger role to play and has been greatly underutilised in wildlife management research to date.…”

Public Involvement in State Fish and Wildlife Agencies in the U.S.: A Thumbnail Sketch of Techniques and Barriers

“…Mankin, Warner, & Anderson, 1999 Michigan Described the benefits of focus groups used early in a research process, particularly when used to help develop surveys. Minnis, Holsman, Grice, & Payton, 1997 Minnesota Discussed the importance of public involvement in natural resource management. Nelson, Wingate, Skrypek, & Holmes, 1993 Described using roundtables to achieve consensus on wolf management.…”

“…The literature on public involvement in 11 state fish and wildlife agencies show a range of efforts to elicit and incorporate public preferences and objectives in policy and management decisionmaking (Chase & Decker, 1998;Curtis & Hauber, 1997;Decker & Chase, 1997;Guynn & Landry, 1997;Jakus, Fly, & Stephens, 1997;Johnson, Johnson, Edwards, & Wheaton, 1993;Lauber & Knuth, 2000;Mankin, Warner, & Anderson, 1999;Mattfeld, Parsons, Brown, & Decker, 1998;Mech, 2001;Minnis, Holsman, Grice, & Payton, 1997;Nelson, Wingate, Skrypek, & Holmes, 1993;Rue, 1987;Schusler, 2001;Siemer & Decker, 1990;Stout, Decker, Knuth, Proud, & Nelson, 1996;Thompson, 1984;Witter, 1996). These efforts are summarized in Table 1.…”

Assessing Stakeholder Perceptions: Listening to Avid Hunters of Western Kentucky

“…Focus groups collect qualitative data through moderated group discussion with the distinctive trait of face to face interactions among participants and facilitators (Minnis, Holsman, Grise, & Peyton, 1997). Focus groups afford researchers the flexibility to refine the research process during a study (Betts, Baranowski, & Hoerr, 1996).…”