Peer Led Focus Groups and Young People

Abstract

Peer led focus groups, a qualitative social science research method, and their use with young people are examined. The paper outlines three developments that have contributed to their emergence, namely: traditional focus groups, peer education and participatory research. Drawing on a study in progress, the advantages and challenges associated with peer led focus groups are discussed. A key benefit is that the power differential between the adult researcher and the researched is removed, at least at the point of data collection, rendering peer led focus groups one of few research contexts in which young people can speak collectively with no adult present.

Participatory peer research methodology: An effective method for obtaining young people’s perspectives on transitions from care to adulthood?

“…The approach also has the potential to empower participants by giving them a voice and minimise power imbalances between the researcher and participant which may reduce bias and enhance the quality of data collected (Clarke, 2004;Cleaver, 2001;Fleming et al, 2009;Kilpatrick et al, 2007;Murray, 2006). Mutual understanding of the research topic and a shared language also help build rapport and support effective communication (Alderson, 2001cited in Fleming et al, 2009Greene et al, 2009;Kilpatrick et al, 2007;Kirby, 1999Kirby, , 2004Murray, 2006).…”

“…Mutual understanding of the research topic and a shared language also help build rapport and support effective communication (Alderson, 2001cited in Fleming et al, 2009Greene et al, 2009;Kilpatrick et al, 2007;Kirby, 1999Kirby, , 2004Murray, 2006). Evidence suggests that young people may be willing to discuss issues with peer researchers that they would not be willing to raise with academic researchers, thus improving our understanding of the topic and securing accounts that are not tailored for adult ears (Burns and Schubotz, 2009;Fleming et al, 2009;Kirby, 1999;Smith et al, 2002).…”

Methodological aspects of children's consumer behaviour research

“…U novije vreme, istraživači se sve češće odlučuju na to da obučeni vršnjaci ispitanika vode fokus grupe, naročito kada je reč o adolescentima (Murray, 2006). Smatra se da deca bolje poznaju rečnik, interesovanja i način razmišljanja svojih vršnjaka nego odrasli ispitivači, a pored toga na taj način se uklanja već pominjana barijera u istraživanju po pitanju odnosa moći na relaciji odrasli ispitivač -dete ispitanik.…”

Involving Children in the Design and Development of Research Instruments and Data Collection Procedures: A Case Study in Primary Schools in Northern Ireland

“…While adult-led attempts to obtain valuable feedback from children and young people can impact positively on them, purely engaging with them in this way can perpetuate ''the dominant research tradition on children (rather than with them) [which] constructs them as problematic'' (Roche, 1999, p. 477; see also Christensen, 2004). For this reason it is important to explore ways of facilitating children's meaningful participation in the research process (Murray, 2006). Thomas and O'Kane (1998, p. 342) consider that the use of ''participatory'' research techniques is a way of being ''open to children's agendas''.…”

“…Murray (2006) involved young people, aged 14Á18, as co-researchers in a focus group research study exploring offending behaviour among young people in Scotland. Focus groups were moderated by young people and positive outcomes were reported for the research process in terms of recruiting participants and enabling a more challenging exploration of the issue than might otherwise have been possible with an adult moderator.…”