Enhancing the potential of Focus Groups (join a waiting list)

Date:

26/04/2018

Organised by:

NCRM, University of Southampton

Presenter:

Professor Melanie Nind

Level:

Intermediate (some prior knowledge)

Contact:

Jacqui Thorp
Training and Capacity Building Co-ordinator
National Centre for Research Methods
Tel: 02380594069
Email: jmh6@soton.ac.uk

Map:

View in Google Maps  (SO17 1BJ)

Venue:

Building 39, University of Southampton, Highfield, Hants

Description:

Focus groups are used regularly in qualitative research, but sometimes under-used in that the potential of this method is under-estimated. Focus groups can be much more than lightly structured group interviews, instead creating vibrant spaces for dialogue in contentious fields, allowing participants not just to articulate what they know, but also to know more critically through the communal exchange. The emphasis in this course is on how focus groups can be used as a constructive method particularly well suited to inclusive/participatory/transformative research designs.

The day will include aspects of how to organise an effective focus group, but the primary focus will be on going beyond traditional focus groups by incorporating enriching features such as video stimulus, communal activities and repeated focus groups in iterative cycles. The tutor will draw on her experience of facilitating different kinds of focus groups for different purposes and participants.

This one-day course provides opportunities to share practical experiences, distil insights, and learn about new possibilities. There will be activities to support skill development and prompt discussion. Course participants will be offered templates for planning focus groups. We will also address the types of analysis that make best use of focus group data.

The tutor draws on her own experience in facilitating focus groups to present options including:

  • using photo and video stimulus for recall, reflection and dialogue
  • using activities within focus groups
  • iterative use of focus groups in dialogic cycles

 

We will discuss such issues as:

  • who is control of a focus group and why
  • homogeneity vs diversity among focus group participants
  • establishing rapport and managing group dynamics
  • suitable methods of analysis for focus group data

By the end of the course participants will:

  • appreciate what focus groups can offer compared with interview methods
  • understand how focus groups fit with the ethos of inclusive/participatory/transformative research
  • be familiar with a range of options for enriching focus groups
  • have gained some practical knowledge and skills

This intermediate level course is relevant to anyone wanting to explore the potential of focus groups as a social science research method. It is accessible for all researchers and particularly useful for those researching in professional contexts such as education, social work and health or researchers working with marginalised groups including children and disabled people.

Cost:

The fee per teaching day is:

• £30 per day for UK/EU registered students
• £60 per day for staff at UK/EU academic institutions, UK/EU Research Councils researchers, UK/EU public sector staff and staff at UK/EU registered charity organisations and recognised UK/EU research institutions.
• £220 per day for all other participants

All fees include event materials, lunch, morning and afternoon tea. They do not include travel and accommodation costs.

Website and registration:

Region:

South West

Keywords:

Exploratory Research, Focus groups, Quality in Qualitative Research, Exploratory research , Collaborative approaches , Data analysis

Related publications and presentations:

Exploratory Research
Focus groups
Quality in Qualitative Research

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