Focus group is a qualitative research method commonly used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptively, it consists of selected sampled subjects or respondents usually ranging from 6-12 in number to represent the targeted population. The process of semi-structured group interview methods is used to collect data in a focus group. A leader who directs and controls activities in a focus group towards achieving the required answers moderates the group. Focus group seeks to get the feelings or thoughts of the participants by asking open-ended questions. It gives out a full perspective about the study topic. Since it is hard to simplify the answers for the result, a general interpretation is used to make conclusions. It is appropriate in social studies. It is mostly used when exploring the specific topic (Stewart and Prem 24- 43).
Objective of Focus Group
Focus group survey method is relied upon especially when the researcher is trying to get out information that is more open, and the outcome seems unpredictable. It enables the respondents to express ideas, which are clear while sharing their feelings. Since the conversation is open to individuals, discussion and topics are increasingly free-flowing. The method is also used to investigate new areas of research. Additionally, social scientists use focus group study to get data on topics that are cumbersome to observe or simply hard to access. Sensitive as well as non-observable topics best suit focus group survey method. Another objective of the method is to collect massive information within a short time from several informants. When the researcher is in need of experiences and perspectives specifically from a marginalized group of persons, focus group discussion is the best. The method, when used in combination with other research techniques, enables the explorer to get a preliminary data, clarify other research findings from different methods, and it can assist in creating interview guides including surveys (Liamputtong 103-105).
Pros and Cons of using Live or Online Focus Groups
Focus group also has some demerits. For a moderator to get data from the group, other proven techniques must be used, which is not possible with online group discussion. This can result in the limitation or inaccurate information. Since no face-to-face interaction exists, there are chances that the interviewee might be multi-tasking, which may divide their attention for proper contribution. Moreover, chances may be that the researcher is receiving answers from a wrong sampled representative subject since there is no face-to-face interaction to identify who is speaking. With the dividing distance and missing physical interaction, the moderator has no opportunity to pick out other non-verbal indicators. The missing group dynamism may reduce other important data that are necessary for the research. There is also limited participation (Miller 279-281).
Merits of observational research
The main advantage of using observational research is can be that the researcher can observe what respondents fail to say or do. It gives investigators the real picture of what they need, providing a textual, and meaningful circumstances of the situation. Some topics such as criminology and prostitution are best with observational research methods. For instance, what the respondent has filled in the questionnaire may be opposite when observing their real life situation (Monette et al. 252-255).
Works Cited
Liamputtong, Pranee. Focus Group Methodology: Principles and Practices. N.p., 2011. Print.
Miller, Thomas W. Web and Network Data Science: Modeling Techniques in Predictive Analytics/Thomas W. Miller. N.p., 2015. Print.
Monette, Duane R, Thomas J. Sullivan, and Cornell R. DeJong. Applied Social Research: A Tool for the Human Services. Australia: Brooks/Cole, 2011. Print.
Stewart, David W, and Prem N. Shamdasani. Focus Groups: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: SAGE, 2014. Print.
