3. focus groups Flashcards
(40 cards)
What is the key feature of focus groups?
Group interaction and joint construction of meaning.
How are focus groups different from group interviews?
They are not just multiple interviews at once — they rely on interaction between participants.
What is a commonly cited definition of a focus group?
“A group of individuals selected and assembled by researchers to discuss and comment on, from personal experience, the topic that is the subject of the research” (Powell et al., 1996).
What do focus groups aim to understand?
How participants collectively make sense of and organise their knowledge.
When are focus groups particularly useful?
When open-ended responses are needed and when individuals alone may not provide adequate depth.
Why might a researcher choose a focus group over an interview?
To generate discussion, debate, and uncover shared or conflicting views.
What types of topics are suited to focus groups?
Complex or sensitive topics, early-stage research, or theory generation.
What are three benefits of using focus groups?
- Rich interaction, 2. Elicitation of diverse views, 3. Empowerment of participants.
How do participants interact in focus groups?
They ‘bounce off’ each other, referencing shared experiences (“Do you remember that time…?”).
How can focus groups benefit shy or quiet participants?
They may feel more comfortable contributing in a group than in a one-on-one interview.
What is one major challenge of focus groups?
Managing power dynamics and dominant voices.
What is a limitation of the data quality in focus groups?
May be less in-depth than individual interviews.
What logistical issue can make focus groups costly?
Venue, travel expenses, and participant incentives.
Why is generalisability a concern in focus groups?
The data is context-specific and not statistically representative.
What is Photovoice?
A qualitative method using participant-taken photos to explore personal and community issues.
Who developed the Photovoice method?
Wang and Burris (1997).
What field did Photovoice originate in?
Health promotion and community-based participatory research.
What does Photovoice involve besides photos?
Interviews and group discussions about the photos.
What are participants in Photovoice invited to do?
Use photography to document and narrate their lived experiences.
What theoretical approach underpins Photovoice?
Freire’s (1974) approach to critical consciousness.
What are the 3 stages of critical consciousness (Freire)?
- Critical Reflection, 2. Critical Motivation, 3. Critical Action.
What role do photographs play in Photovoice?
As tools for reflection, storytelling, and action toward social change.
What happens in the final phase of a Photovoice study?
Dissemination: exhibitions, presentations, and publications for stakeholders.
What are examples of issues explored through Photovoice?
Loneliness, chronic illness, homelessness, environmental access.
