scholarly journals Utilization of online focus groups to include mothers: A use-case design, reflection, and recommendations

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 205520761877767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Skelton ◽  
Retta Evans ◽  
Jenna LaChenaye ◽  
Jonathan Amsbary ◽  
Martha Wingate ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sensitive Topics ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Hard To Reach Populations ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Case Design

Advances in technology over the past decade have allowed unique methodologies to emerge, enabling the engagement of hard-to-reach populations on sensitive topics in a way that was before thought not possible with traditional face-to-face modalities. This study aimed to use online focus group discussions (FGDs) to explore breastfeeding mothers’ use of social media. Results indicate participants had a positive experience with online FGDs, and almost all preferred this method to traditional face-to-face focus groups. We discuss reflections of the online FGD experience, including best practices and recommendations for innovative ways to include time-constrained or hard-to-reach participants, for yielding rich qualitative data.

WhatsApp-based focus groups among Mexican-origin women in Zika risk area: Feasibility, acceptability and data quality (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Anderson ◽  
Denisse Zavala Garcia ◽  
Mary Koss ◽  
Lucia Castro ◽  
David Garcia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Risk Area ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Sensitive Topics ◽  
Traditional Research ◽  
Mexico Border ◽  
Hard To Reach Populations ◽  
Key Steps

UNSTRUCTURED Despite unprecedented advances in global access to the Internet via smartphones, barriers remain to engaging hard-to-reach populations in many methods of health research. One potential avenue for conducting qualitative research is via participatory web-based media, including the free, popular social platform WhatsApp. However, despite clear advantages to engaging with participants over a well-established web-based platform, logistical challenges remain. This article reports evidence of feasibility and acceptability of WhatsApp as a method to conduct focus groups with Spanish-speaking women near the U.S.-Mexico border. The content focus was knowledge and perceived risks for exposure to Zika virus during pregnancy. Evidence is presented that WhatsApp is a secure, low cost, logistically feasible methodology that resulted in rich qualitative data from a population that is often reticent to engage in traditional research. The findings are noteworthy in a time when gold standard face-to-face focus groups are risky or precluded within safe COVID-19 guidelines. Other implications include more application and evaluation of WhatsApp for delivering one-on-one or group health education interventions on sensitive topics. This paper outlines key steps and considerations for methods replication or adaptation.

Using Videoconferencing Focus Groups in Sexual and Reproductive Health Research With Chinese Im/Migrants in Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110438
Author(s):  
Horas T. H. Wong ◽  
Defeng Jin ◽  
Pan Wang ◽  
Yingli Sun ◽  
Limin Mao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Sensitive Topics ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Technical Issues

Videoconferencing focus groups have emerged as a popular method for collecting qualitative data. However, its use in sexual and reproductive health research is still very much in its infancy. Based on participants’ feedback and researchers’ reflections on using videoconferencing focus groups to collect sexual and reproductive health data with 39 heterosexual and non-heterosexual Chinese im/migrants in Australia, we discuss some of the key lessons learned, and considerations involved in shifting from face-to-face to online focus groups. Overall, videoconferencing focus groups appeared to be a highly feasible and acceptable way to discuss “sensitive” topics with Chinese im/migrants. Importantly, researchers need to be both creative and reflexive during the research process and must not forget that the success of a study lies not only in troubleshooting technical issues but also in cultivating and maintaining a trusting relationship with research participants.

scholarly journals An Investigation of How Online Learning Reduces ZPD in Mandarin Language Classrooms

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Noor Hanim Rahmat ◽  
Mok Soon Sim ◽  
Lau Suk Khi ◽  
Ling Tek Soon
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Proximal Development ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Mandarin Language ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Language Needs ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Play Group

Traditionally, language needs to be learnt face-to-face. Pronunciation practices, role play, group discussions are all activities that allow interaction among learners. Previously, some things are better learnt face-to-face, while some can be learnt online. Nevertheless, the pandemic has accelerated the need for online learning in almost all courses offered at institutions. Devices used for online learning can be used as a leaning tool by learners to improve understanding. These devices help to reduce a learner’s zone of proximal development (ZPD) thus maximizing learning. Online learning has been said to facilitate rather than hinder language learning. This study is therefore done to explore how it helps the learning of Mandarin. The study investigates how online interaction affects the learning of Mandarin in language classrooms. 173 participants responded to a 28 items (5 likert scale) instrument. Findings reveal how online learning influences interaction, encourages participation of more knowledgeable others, and improves interaction with content among learners.

Stance Analysis

2011 ◽  
pp. 262-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peyton Mason ◽  
Boyd Davis ◽  
Deborah Bosley
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Multivariate Techniques ◽  
Online Chat ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
Marketing Information

In this chapter, we will first discuss what stance is and highlight how we identify and measure stance using multivariate techniques, using an ongoing example taken from an Online Financial Focus Group. We review differences in stance between online real-time focus groups and online chat, as well as between online and face-to-face focus groups; and finally, proffer examples of stance analysis in two very different online focus groups: older adults discussing financial services and teens discussing clothes. As marketers see that online focus groups offer valuable marketing information by understanding the significance of how something is said as well as what is said, their confidence in the use of online focus-group data should increase.

scholarly journals STEER: Factors to Consider When Designing Online Focus Groups Using Audiovisual Technology in Health Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 160940691988578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Daniels ◽  
Patricia Gillen ◽  
Karen Casson ◽  
Iseult Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Health Care Practitioners ◽  
Academic Researchers ◽  
Journal Entries

Technological advancements and ease of Internet accessibility have made using Internet-based audiovisual software a viable option for researchers conducting focus groups. Online platforms overcome any geographical limitations placed on sampling by the location of potential participants and so enhance opportunities for real-time discussions and data collection in groups that otherwise might not be feasible. Although researchers have been adopting Internet-based options for some time, empirical evaluations and published examples of focus groups conducted using audiovisual technology are sparse. It therefore cannot yet be established whether conducting focus groups in this way can truly mirror face-to-face discussions in achieving the authentic interaction to generate data. We use our experiences to add to the developing body of literature by analyzing our critical reflections on how procedural aspects had the potential to influence the data we collected using audiovisual technology to conduct synchronous focus groups. As part of a mixed methods study, we chose to conduct focus groups in this way to access geographically dispersed populations and to enhance sample variation. We conducted eight online focus groups using audiovisual technology with both academic researchers and health-care practitioners across the four regions of the United Kingdom. A reflexive journal was completed throughout the planning, conduct and analysis of the focus groups. Content analysis of journal entries was carried out to identify procedural factors that had the potential to affect the data collected during this study. Five themes were identified ( Stability of group numbers, Technology, Environment, Evaluation, and Recruitment), incorporating several categories of issues for consideration. Combined with the reflections of the researcher and published experiences of others, suggested actions to minimize any potential impacts of issues which could affect interactions are presented to assist others who are contemplating this method of data collection.

scholarly journals Exploring inequalities in health with young people through online focus groups: navigating the methodological and ethical challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Woodrow ◽  
Hannah Fairbrother ◽  
Mary Crowder ◽  
Elizabeth Goyder ◽  
Naomi Griffin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Inequalities In Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Participant Engagement ◽  
Sensitive Topics ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Building Activities

PurposeThe use of online focus groups to explore children and young people's (CYP) perspectives of inequalities in health and associated “sensitive” topics raises important ethical and methodological issues to consider. The purpose of the paper is to discuss lessons learnt from navigating the authors' way through some of the key challenges the authors encountered when researching inequalities in health with CYP through online focus groups.Design/methodology/approachIn the paper, the authors draw on reflections and notes from the fieldwork design, public involvement and engagement (PIE) activities and data collection for their research project.FindingsCollecting data online influenced the authors' ability to develop rapport and relationships with CYP and to provide effective support when discussing sensitive topics. The authors note that building activities to develop rapport with participants during recruitment and data collection and establishing clear support and safeguarding protocols helped navigate challenges of online approaches around effective and supportive participant engagement.Originality/valueThe paper highlights that despite ethical and methodological challenges of conducting online focus groups with CYP on potentially sensitive topics, the adoption of practical steps and strategies before, during and following data collection can facilitate the safe participation of CYP and generate useful and valid data in meaningful and appropriate ways.

scholarly journals ÇEYIZLAB: Crafting a Speculative Manifesto

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazal Gümüş Çiftçi ◽  
Seçil Uğur Yavuz
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Short Film ◽  
Expert Interviews ◽  
Research Project ◽  
The Past ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
The Future ◽  
Societal Changes ◽  
Auto Ethnography

Çeyizlab is a research project tackling with çeyiz (trousseau)- a traditional gift-giving to the bride in Turkey. Due to the societal changes, çeyiz is under a transformation. By looking at the past and speculating about the future of çeyiz, our research question emerged: Can we envision scenarios that would turn the existing transformation of this tradition into preferable futures? We answered this question by conducting online focus-groups, auto-ethnography sessions and expert interviews. Based on our analysis, the idea of a Manifesto has emerged. This manifesto was embroidered on a fabric reflecting the stories, memories and desires of the women with whom we interviewed. To spread out the message of the manifesto, we decided to make a short film that gives rise to discussions around the issues entangled within çeyiz.

scholarly journals Using Message Boards to Conduct Online Focus Groups

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Deggs ◽  
Kenda Grover ◽  
Kit Kacirek
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Message Board ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Message Boards ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Geographic Dispersion ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Board System

Geographic dispersion of research subjects can make traditional face-to-face focus groups difficult if not impractical to conduct. Online focus groups have many advantages such as enabling researchers to save costs, allowing for more efficient collection of data, and allowing researchers to accommodate research subjects' schedules. However, online focus groups require greater skill on the part of the researcher and research subjects alike. This manuscript chronicles the process that we recently used to conduct an online focus group using a message board system with graduate students enrolled in an online degree program. We explain the processes that were followed in conducting our study and the rationale behind the decisions that we made as qualitative researchers. Finally, we offer guidance and insight for other qualitative researchers who wish to utilize message boards to conduct online focus groups.

A Critical Exploration into whether E-Recruitment is an Effective E-Entrepreneurship Method in Attracting Appropriate Employees for Enterprises

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Lewis ◽  
Lyn Daunton ◽  
Brychan Thomas ◽  
Gwenllian Sanders
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Recruitment Strategies ◽  
Direct Impact ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Critical Exploration

This study critically explores e-recruitment and whether it is an effective e-entrepreneurship method in attracting appropriate employees for enterprises. The research was conducted by using both primary and secondary data. The secondary data primarily concentrated on the direct impact to enterprises and how changes in recruitment strategies could affect individuals. The primary research attempted to look at e-recruitment from the perspective of a recruitment agency and potential users of recruitment agencies. Using face-to-face interviews, online focus groups, and questionnaires, the authors investigate and show the various reasons behind individuals’ decisions to use recruitment agencies. By examining the methods employed by the Prime Recruitment agency to meet their clients’ needs (both underlying employer and potential candidates) as well as sustaining a competitive advantage in a declining recruitment market, the authors attempt to resolve outstanding grey areas.

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