Paper
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Reporting focus group findings in relation to the interaction of group participants
Pauline Meskell, Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| Learning Objective #1: identify process aspects involved in focus group research |
| Learning Objective #2: outline analysis of focus group data in relation to group interaction, utilizing process guidelines. |
A focus group interview is a qualitative research method for gathering information in a group environment, allowing the investigation of a multitude of perceptions on a defined focused area of interest. Detailed narrative data is collected from interacting individuals having a similarity of interest. A key feature of focus groups is the active encouragement of interaction among group participants as a source of data, as this is central to the accessing of data that would not emerge if other methods were used. However, a major criticism with focus group research highlights the fact that there is a paucity of any reference to the group dynamics or interaction in the analysis of focus group data.
In a preliminary study investigating the clinical role of nurse lecturers in Ireland exploratory focus group discussions were carried out with groups of students, nurse lecturers and clinical nurse managers, identified as key stakeholders in nurse education, in order to elicit their perceptions of the role, its effectiveness, relevance, value and direction.
Data analysis involved thematic analysis of the data derived from transcribed audiotapes and a summary of the conclusions. The process aspects of the focus groups were analysed using observational data and notes taken during the focus group sessions. Observational data concerned group dynamics and how these were evidenced in terms of alliances, reactions to particular issues, related issues, tones of voice used, dominant characters or reserved contributors, group conflict or consensus on specific issues, group adherence to presented issues, and how emotions in the group were handled. As a result of this process guidelines are suggested to aid the analysis of process aspects of focus groups to enhance discussion of data in terms of group interaction.