scholarly journals Analysing the ways of participating in interview settings: young people’s identity performances and social class in focus groups

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 649-666
Author(s):  
Anu Katainen ◽  
Riie Heikkilä
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Deprived Neighbourhoods ◽  
Situated Identity ◽  
The Social ◽  
Study Setting ◽  
Focus Group Method

Critical discussions on the focus group method have highlighted the importance of considering the forms of interaction generated in groups. In this empirical paper we argue that these forms of interaction are intimately linked to the ways participants interpret the study setting, and these interpretations are likely to differ significantly depending on participants’ social backgrounds. In the light of our data consisting of 18 focus groups with 15-year-old school pupils from both affluent and deprived neighbourhoods of Helsinki discussing film clips about young people drinking alcohol, we ask what kinds of modes of participation are mobilised in focus group discussions in order to mark the social position of participants. We further analyse these modes in relation to situated identity performances, arguing that contextual factors of the study setting become especially important to consider when researching vulnerable groups and heterogeneous populations. The analysis yields three modes of participation: these are active/engaged, resistant/passive and dominant/transformative. We argue that these modes can be viewed as actively taken positions that reveal what kinds of identities and competences participants are able and willing to mobilise in the study setting, and that recognising these modes is important in all interview settings.

scholarly journals Focus groups and methodological rigour outside the minority world: making the method work to its strengths in Tanzania

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilde Jakobsen
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Data Generation ◽  
Trial And Error ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Majority World ◽  
Focus Group Method

This article examines some methodological issues that arise when conducting focus group discussions in the majority world (developing countries), and describes one way of addressing them. While the method is widely used in the majority world, the methodological literature on how to moderate focus groups builds on accumulated experiences of how conversations work in the minority world (developed countries). This article suggests a way to apply the method more rigorously in a majority-world context. It draws on a trial-and-error innovation process spanning 40 discussions in Tanzania. Ensuring quality in data generation required thorough attention to issues of alterity, positionality and power. These issues are common challenges to methodological rigour when researching across difference in the majority world. But this article contends that if used correctly and to its strengths, the focus group method can indeed address and solve these challenges. This also entails creating appropriate conditions for interaction among focus groups participants.

scholarly journals Using Symbols and Shapes for Analysis in Small Focus Group Research

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oladokun Omojola
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Prima Facie ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Focus Group Research ◽  
Group Research ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Small Focus ◽  
Focus Group Method

Substantial literature exists to support the growing importance of focus group research, having been around for decades. Its ubiquity under the scholarship radar is not in doubt while the analyses of findings commonly seen are scholarly and significantly sophisticated. However, these analyses have been found to be limited in scope for fresh adopters of the focus group method, non-literate beneficiaries of research findings and business people who are critically averse to lengthy textual statements about outcomes. This article introduces the use of symbols as a means of analyzing responses from small focus group discussions. It attempts to demonstrate that using symbols can substantially assist in the prima facie determination of perceptions from a focus group membership, its patterns of agreement and disagreement, as well as the sequence of its discussions.

scholarly journals Precincts and Prospects in the Use of Focus Groups in Social and Behavioral Science Research

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Sagoe
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Behavioral Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Behavioural Science ◽  
Behavioral Science Research ◽  
Social And Behavioral Science ◽  
Focus Group Method ◽  
Practical Recommendations

Over the past few years, the focus group method has assumed a very important role as a method for collecting qualitative data in social and behavioural science research. This article elucidates theoretical and practical problems and prospects associated with the use of focus groups as a qualitative research method in social and behavioural science research. The core uses of focus groups in social and behavioural science research are discussed. In addition, the strengths and limitations of employing focus groups in social and behavioural science research are elucidated. Furthermore, the article discusses practical recommendations for strengthening the focus group method in social and behavioural science research.

The Focus Group Method in Practical Ecclesiology: Performative Effects and Ecclesiological Rationale

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henk de Roest
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Focus Group Method

The author gives an analysis of the methodological advantages and disadvantages of using focus groups in practical ecclesiology. He makes a plea for including focus groups in a mixed method strategy in practical ecclesiological research, being attentive to their performative effects. He asks, if ecclesiology governs the methodological design of a practical-ecclesiological research project, should not methods that focus on conversational practices and how people build up a view out of the interaction that takes place within a group, be pulled into the heart of the research? In his reply to this question, the article gives a relational-constructionist, an ecclesiological and a theological rationale for using focus groups.

scholarly journals PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF CROWDSOURCING IMPLEMENTATION IN THE ASSESSMENTS OF RESIDENTS OF THE NCFD MUNICIPALITIES (results of focus groups)

2020 ◽  
pp. 178-182
Author(s):  
С.В. Алиева ◽  
И.В. Долгова ◽  
Н.Н. Киселева
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Federal District ◽  
Group Method ◽  
North Caucasus ◽  
The North ◽  
Focus Group Method

В статье представлены результаты исследования проблем и перспектив реализации краудсорсинга в муниципальных образованиях СКФО на основе метода фокус-групп. Исследование было нацелено на выявление отношения жителей СКФО к внедрению краудсорсинга в управление муниципальными образованиями, их оценки относительно выбора форм коммуникации, характера мотивов участников и получения эффектов реализации краудсорсинговых проектов. В результате интерпретации полученных эмпирических данных были сделаны обобщения и выполнена систематизация выявленных трендов. The article presents the results of a study of the problems and prospects of crowdsourcing implementation in the municipalities of the North Caucasus Federal District based on the focus group method. The study was aimed at identifying the attitude of residents of the North Caucasus Federal District to the introduction of crowdsourcing in the management of municipalities, their assessment of the choice of forms of communication, the nature of the motives of participants and obtaining the effects of the implementation of crowdsourcing projects. As a result of the interpretation of the obtained empirical data, generalizations were made and the identified trends were systematized.

scholarly journals Flirtation Rejection Strategies: Toward an Understanding of Communicative Disinterest in Flirting

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Goodboy ◽  
Maria Brann
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Cell Phone ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Friendship Networks ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Single Adults ◽  
Focus Group Method

Single adults often seek successful flirtatious encounters; yet these encounters can sometimes be considered failures. However, little research has identified flirtation rejection strategies enacted by those not interested in reciprocal flirting. The purpose of this study was to examine behavioral and verbal flirtation rejection strategies among college students. Stemming from a grounded theory methodology and a focus group method, 21 college students shared their experiences in focus group discussions. Thematic analysis yielded five behavioral rejection strategies (i.e., departure, friendship networks, cell-phone usage, ignoring, facial expressions) and four verbal rejection strategies (i.e., significant others, brief responses, politeness, insults) and sex differences in their usage. Results suggest that both men and women possess a predictable arsenal of available rejection strategies.

scholarly journals Focus Groups in Ethnography of Communication: Expanding Topics of Inquiry Beyond Participant Observation

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Suter
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Ethnography Of Communication ◽  
Research Protocols ◽  
Point Of Departure ◽  
Focus Group Method ◽  
Naming Practices

Historically, ethnography of communication has viewed participant observation as the central and necessary methodological point of departure for any ethnographic endeavor. However, as this article illustrates, this becomes problematic when particular topics of inquiry do not provide ample opportunities for observation. After struggles to participant observe conversations on women's marital naming practices, I was able to research this topic and produce participant observation-like understandings after I incorporated focus groups into my methods. Based upon these experiences and study, this article urges ethnography of communication scholars to step outside their traditional methodological practices, when necessary, and integrate the focus group method into their research protocols.

Participatory development of the food literacy intervention “GUSTO” for older adults in Germany

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Zastrow ◽  
K Neher ◽  
H Hassel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Participatory Approach ◽  
Target Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Food Literacy

Abstract Background Healthy aging is one of the major challenges currently faced by an aging population. Food literacy (FL) refers to the ability to apply knowledge and practical skills regarding healthy and sustainable nutrition into everyday life. The project “GUSTO” is sponsored by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care and aims to contribute to enjoyable aging by developing the nutritional skills of people aged 65 and over. This community-based program comprises independent working groups of older adults guided by peer moderators. The FL intervention is developed in cooperation with the target group. Methods The nutritional situation of older adults was first established through a literature research. The results of this research were compared to the “self-perceived food literacy scale” by Poelman et al. (2018) and the “nutritional framework for literacy courses” by Johannsen et al. (2019). The resulting data provided a basis for focus group discussions carried out in six municipalities, supported by local practice partners. In six guided focus group discussions, a number of recurring themes were identified and summarized. Results The focus groups consisted of a total of 44 people between 62 and 88 years of age (average age: 73.1 ± 6.1 years). 22.7 % were men. The group discussions revealed resources used and barriers encountered in terms of FL and interests of older adults. It was evident that, due to the high density of information available, the participants found it difficult to identify reliable information and to implement it in their everyday life. At the request of the focus groups, topics such as the best before date and the use of food waste were added to the intervention. Conclusions Older adults find it challenging to identify reliable nutritional information and implement it in their everyday life. With the help of the participatory approach outlined in this study, target group-related issues can be identified and taken into account in the intervention. Key messages Older adults can be involved in the development of an FL intervention. A participatory approach allows target group-related issues and specific needs to be taken into account in the intervention.

scholarly journals Communicating science: The profile of science journalists in Spain

Comunicar ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (55) ◽  
pp. 09-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Cassany ◽  
Sergi Cortiñas ◽  
Albert Elduque
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Current System ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Social ◽  
News Agencies ◽  
El Sistema ◽  
Academic Profiles ◽  
Ethnographic Methodology ◽  
Depth Interviews

Science journalists are mainly responsible for publicly communicating science, which, in turn, is a major indicator of the social development of democratic societies. The transmission of quality scientific information that is rigorously researched and understandable is therefore crucial, and demand for this kind of information from both governments and citizens is growing. We analyzed the academic profiles of a representative sample of practicing science journalists in Spain to clarify what training they had received and how they perceived the quality and scope of this training. Using an ethnographic methodology based on a survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with science journalists working for the main Spanish media (mainly printed press, audiovisual, Internet and news agencies), we analyze their academic backgrounds and collect information on their opinions and proposals. Our findings depict a complex and heterogeneous scenario and also reveal that most science journalists not only do not have any scientific training, but also do not even consider this to be necessary to exercise as science reporters. They also criticize the current system for training journalists and consider that the best way of learning the profession is by acquiring experience on the job. El periodista científico es uno de los principales responsables en la cadena de transmisión e interpretación hacia la sociedad de toda noticia, novedad o avance de carácter científico. A su vez, una información científica rigurosa, comprensible y de calidad es, además, un indicador del desarrollo social. La demanda de este tipo de información crece cada día en nuestras sociedades, tanto por parte de los gobiernos como de los ciudadanos. Por este motivo, y con el objetivo de esclarecer cuál es el perfil de los periodistas científicos que deben lidiar con tal responsabilidad, cómo se han formado y cómo ellos mismos creen que deberían haber sido formados, en esta investigación analizamos los perfiles académicos (tanto el real como el ideal) de estos profesionales en España. Utilizando una metodología etnográfica, basada en entrevistas, cuestionarios y focus group con periodistas científicos que trabajan en los principales medios españoles, analizamos su trayectoria académica y sus consideraciones y propuestas al respecto. Los resultados muestran un escenario complejo y heterogéneo, pero también revelan que la mayoría de los periodistas científicos no solo no goza de una titulación universitaria en el ámbito científico, sino que tampoco la considera necesaria. Los periodistas científicos son críticos con el sistema educativo y consideran que la mejor forma de aprender es trabajar en los medios, más que estudiar.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document