Focus groups as a data collection instrument: Lyn Alderman

The outcomes from your research project are dependent on the research design and selection of data collection instruments. The decision to conduct a focus group to collect data requires a clear understanding of the aims, objective and purpose leading to the selection of this type of research instrument. But what style of focus group will provide you with the best results for your research project? Are you interested in a more structured focus group where data collection is guided by a skilled interviewer? Or is it more important to collect data through a more organic method where the participant group guide the process?

This workshop will offer participants an opportunity to participate in two different styles of focus groups, prepare interview questions, collect and analyse data, then compare and contrast the different focus group styles. The styles will include the more traditional focus group as a group interview with structured questions and the Open Space Technology focus group where the researcher provides a title for the focus group and then the participants guide the process and perform the first levels of coding.

Your participation in this workshop will provide insight into focus groups as a technique, how your data collection instrument can offer a safe environment for what may be an emotive issue and where focus groups offer special opportunities for a supportive response. An explicit exploration of research bias and how to minimise this effect will be investigated through the comparative analysis of the two styles of focus group.

The target audience for this workshop are all evaluators who are interested in gaining understanding through experiential learning into focus groups as a data collection instrument and who would like to extend their knowledge and review a lesser known, but highly effective style, Open Space Technology focus groups.

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