Online Focus Groups

2015 ◽  
pp. 31-55
Author(s):  
Oksana Parylo
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Online Research ◽  
Future Trends ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Data Collection Technique

The overall aim of this chapter is to provide a better understanding of how a specific technique of online research methodology, online focus groups, has been theoretically conceptualized and practically utilized in order to examine its advantages and disadvantages to improve future applications of this technique in qualitative and mixed methods research. The chapter offers an overview of qualitative and mixed methods empirical research using online focus groups in different disciplines and outlines the strengths and weaknesses of this data collection technique. In addition, based on the review of empirical and theoretical research, the current and emerging practices in and characteristics of using online focus groups for data collection are outlined and used to suggest future trends in using this data collection technique in qualitative and mixed methods research.

Online Focus Groups

2015 ◽  
pp. 970-991
Author(s):  
Oksana Parylo
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Online Research ◽  
Future Trends ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Data Collection Technique

The overall aim of this chapter is to provide a better understanding of how a specific technique of online research methodology, online focus groups, has been theoretically conceptualized and practically utilized in order to examine its advantages and disadvantages to improve future applications of this technique in qualitative and mixed methods research. The chapter offers an overview of qualitative and mixed methods empirical research using online focus groups in different disciplines and outlines the strengths and weaknesses of this data collection technique. In addition, based on the review of empirical and theoretical research, the current and emerging practices in and characteristics of using online focus groups for data collection are outlined and used to suggest future trends in using this data collection technique in qualitative and mixed methods research.

scholarly journals Opinions of Teacher Candidates on Inclusive Education: A Parallel Mixed Method Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Hatice Leblebici ◽  
Azmi Türkan
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Mixed Method Study

In this study, teacher candidates’ attitudes, self-efficacy perceptions towards inclusive education, and their situation towards in-class practices were determined. A total of a hundred thirty three pre-service teachers participated in the research voluntarily. The study was designed according to the parallel mixed methods research in which both quantitative and qualitative data (QUAN + QUAL) were used together. As data collection tools, “Attitude Scale towards Inclusive Education”, “Self-Efficacy Scale for Inclusive Education” and “In-class Practice Scale for Inclusive Education” were used. In addition, during the collection of qualitative data, teacher candidates were asked to complete the statement, “In my opinion, inclusive education is like…. because….” To determine their metaphorical perceptions. When the results of the study were examined, teacher candidates, it was determined that the perceptions of self-efficacy towards inclusive education and the concern for personal equipment differ in terms of various variables. In addition, the participants chose the positive metaphors that they produced for inclusive education. Among these metaphors, respect for differences, acceptance of diversity is expressed as coexistence due to the structure of inclusive education that unites society.

Mixed Methods Research Design

2020 ◽  
pp. 26-52
Author(s):  
Mette L. Baran
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Embedded Design ◽  
Strategic Implementation ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Collection Phase

This chapter introduces the various design choices researchers need to decide on prior to conducting the study. The chapter starts with a detailed description of what research design is, followed by an explanation of descriptive, explanatory, or exploratory research questions. This determines what type of data will be collected. The major strategic implementation methods for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods are then discussed. The three strategies for mixed methods research—parallel convergent, sequential, and embedded design—are presented in detail along with the rationale for their use. Finally, in the last section, the strands or sequencing of the data collection phase of the study are explained.

How Marketers Conduct Mixed Methods Research

2016 ◽  
pp. 187-196
Author(s):  
Roger Baran
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Market Segments ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods

The complimentary nature of qualitative and quantitative research methods are examined with respect to a study assessing the market's view of a training and development institute in the Middle East. The qualitative portion consisted of focus groups conducted with seven distinct market segments served by the institute. The results proved insightful with respect to uncovering and understanding differences of opinion among the seven groups; however, taken alone, the qualitative research would have been very misleading with respect to the institute's standing in the Middle East.

scholarly journals Exploring Intrinsic Gender Identity Using Second Life

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Maria Mitra ◽  
Paul Golz
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Gender Identity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Novice Users ◽  
Gender Specific

Virtual worlds (VWs) provide an environment to understand and explore notions of gender and identity, particularly given the ability for users to experiment with gender in online worlds. Our study analyses gender identity using the virtual space of Second Life (SL) to explore experiences and responses to gender in an avatar. We introduced 46 novice users to the VW of SL in order to see if real life gender influenced their choices of avatar. Participants selected the gender of their original avatar and once they were used to SL, they were then asked to change the gender of that avatar. We used mixed methods research consisting of paper based questionnaires (n=34) and focus groups (n=46) conducted in SL. Nearly all participants chose an initial avatar that reflected their real-life gender with females (n=22) reporting higher levels of identification with this initial avatar. Females were significantly more concerned with the gender-specific appearance of their initial avatar. On swapping gender, females reported higher levels of discomfort and many changed back before 7 minutes. Males (n=24) did not report significant discomfort with their changed-gender avatar and did not revert back to their original avatar as quickly. Our findings suggest that female participants in this study tended to reinforce gender binaries through such things as clothing, hairstyles and behaviors of their avatars. Male participants were less likely to experience discomfort through changing the gender of their avatar (with the males noting they still perceived an avatar with a female appearance as male).

The learning curve: the advantages and disadvantages in the use of focus groups as a method of data collection

2004 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 79-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Mansell ◽  
Glynis Bennett ◽  
Ruth Northway ◽  
Donna Mead ◽  
Laurie Moseley
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Learning Curve ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

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 Re-Thinking the Boundaries of the Focus Group: A Reflexive Analysis on the Use and Legitimacy of Group Methodologies in Qualitative Research

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 58-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Angela Caretta ◽  
Elena Vacchelli
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Group A ◽  
Data Collection Technique ◽  
Qualitative Data Collection

This article aims at problematizing the boundaries of what counts as focus group and in so doing it identifies some continuity between focus group and workshop, especially when it comes to arts informed and activity laden focus groups. The workshop [1] is often marginalized as a legitimate method for qualitative data collection outside PAR (Participatory Action Research)-based methodologies. Using examples from our research projects in East Africa and in London we argue that there are areas of overlap between these two methods, yet we tend to use concepts and definitions associated with focus groups because of the lack of visibility of workshops in qualitative research methods academic literature. The article argues that focus groups and workshops present a series of intertwined features resulting in a blending of the two which needs further exploration. In problematizing the boundaries of focus groups and recognizing the increasing usage of art-based and activity-based processes for the production of qualitative data during focus groups, we argue that focus groups and workshop are increasingly converging. We use a specifically feminist epistemology in order to critically unveil the myth around the non-hierarchical nature of consensus and group interaction during focus group discussions and other multi-vocal qualitative methods and contend that more methodological research should be carried out on the workshop as a legitimate qualitative data collection technique situated outside the cycle of action research.

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