Use of Video Conferencing to Facilitate Focus Groups for Qualitative Data Collection

Abstract

This paper explores the utility in collecting qualitative data by employing synchronous focus groups via web-based video conferencing software such as Zoom. The authors underscore benefits and drawbacks of this data collection modality by reviewing recent interdisciplinary literature. Authors also bring forth an example of using Zoom to facilitate synchronous focus groups for a recent research study. The study centered on school psychologists' perspectives of implementing physical activity within schools to support the mental health outcomes of youth and school communities. Authors offer reflections, lessons learned, and provide suggestions for employing successful online focus groups. Researchers that are interested in employing online focus groups should thoroughly assess if participants have access to and comfortability with technology. Such assessment data may provide insight into whether online focus groups serve as an appropriate modality. Further, Implications and suggestions for research are addressed.

Contributing Factors of Presenteeism among Portuguese and Swiss Nurses: A Qualitative Study Using Focus Groups

“…Meanwhile, the second observed the atmosphere, interactions, and conversation flow, and recorded field notes. Real-time data of the interactions between participants and the researchers was gathered using videoconferencing technology [ 37 , 38 ].…”

Using telepresence robots as a tool for COVID-19 pandemic research: a qualitative study

“…Telepresence robots exist as a promising alternative to in-person interviews, supporting currently used options for virtual interviews such as Zoom and phone interviews. One notable bene t of telepresence robots over other virtual conferencing tools is increased physical presence and therefore providing more engagement which has often been noted as drawbacks with other virtual platforms (30,31). Our use of telepresence robots also showed improved interviewee engagement, which virtual research often suffers from (30) and there was a consensus that the technology was easy to use and intuitive.…”

“…However, drawbacks to using telepresence robots for research have also been noted. An example is the need for technical support and the pervasiveness of technical di culties, a drawback shared with all other virtual methods as discussed in the literature (29,31). Due to their novelty, more training must be provided to researchers and staff to properly control and take care of the robot; training like this may be less extensive or not required for more common technologies such as Zoom or telephones.…”

“…The telepresence robots allow for more frequent and longer visits without compromising public health. On the other hand, focus groups currently conducted through other virtual platforms such as Zoom would bene t from the increased physical presence and environmental engagement provided through telepresence robots (30,31). Additionally, any research that limits the number of researchers that can be present would bene t greatly from using this technology.…”

A phenomenological study investigating experiences of student learning using an online radiation therapy planning curriculum

“…Participants were recruited using emails to students, flyers, a message on the students learning management system and snowballing [16] . An incentive was also used, where all participants went into a draw to win an online shopping voucher [17] .…”