How I Learned to Conduct Focus Groups

When first exploring how to conduct focus groups and how they would be useful to me as a human services practitioner and researcher, it was important to understand what kind of qualitative information focus groups yield. Focus groups can be useful when discussing sensitive topics such as research on sexual practices; "some researcher argue that focus groups are not suitable for eliciting experience with regard to sensitive topics, but this is a questionable assumption" (Barbour, 2007, p. 18). Also, focus groups are helpful in collection of information regarding opinions and beliefs, encouraging discussion about a particular topic, and providing opportunities for the facilitator and participants to learn more about a topic (Sharken Simon, 1999). However, focus groups may not be as useful when the research question requires accessing narratives, attitudes, or reluctant participants. When deciding whether to conduct a one-on-one interview or focus groups, I learned that there are several aspects to consider before making a decision. Ultimately, your decision will likely be based on weighing the pros and cons of each approach and which will be most helpful in gathering the information necessary to answer your research questions. Specifically, defining what the purpose of the focus group will be will help guide the kinds of questions that you will ask as a researcher (Sharken Simon, 1999). In addition, planning and considering a timeline prior to carrying out your focus group is helpful, Sharken and Simon believes that six to eight weeks prior to running your focus group is a reasonable amount of time to begin planning. During that time, thinking about who the target participants are, how they will be recruited to participate in your focus group and developing the questions is a productive way to begin the process. In addition, gathering your materials and locating a site are important components that need to be decided ahead of time. Specifically, the setting in which your research will take place is a factor to consider when deciding whether to conduct focus groups or use another qualitative research approach. According to Barbour (2007), it is important to be flexible in regards to where you will conduct your focus groups and not limit your options in regards to possible research settings. You may not always have access to the ideal research location but at times modifications can be made to make a site appropriate and comfortable for the process. Sharken Simon (1999) outlined a timeline that is helpful in organizing yourself and ensuring that your focus group runs as smoothly as possible. Six to eight weeks prior to the start of the group, she suggests that you write the purpose statement, identify the participants, and gather the contact information of participants. Then four to five weeks before the start of the group, it is important to select a facilitator, develop the questions, develop a script, and reserve the research site. Also, three to four weeks before the focus groups takes place, send out invitations and follow up with phone calls one week later. Two days prior to the focus groups, Sharken Simon suggests that you should gather your materials and call participants to remind them that the group is coming up. After conducting the focus group, send letter to research participants and transcribe notes from the session approximately two days later. Then after the transcription is complete, participants are mailed a summary of the session and an analysis of the session and write-up is completed by the researcher. Also, when deciding the participants that will be included in your focus group, it is important to consider several important points. Sharken Simon (1999) suggests that the process of participant selection consists of five parts: (a) determining how many participants are needed and how many to invite, (b) reviewing the purpose statement and make a list of key characteristics that are desirable in participants, (c) using the list of attributes made, brainstorm possible participants and categories of participants, (d) refining the list by looking for "two characteristics in common" in prospective participants, and (e) securing names and contacts, finalizing the list, and sending the invitations. …