Designing your Research Instruments (Focus Group Discussion) Fernando A.C.Ligot, MHPEd, CSP-PASP OPST 199 - Methods of Research 26 June 2009

What is a Focus Group Discussion? 6-12 participants Guided by a facilitator Free spontaneous discussion on a specific topic

Characteristics Used in qualitative studies Used to obtained in-depth information on concepts, perceptions and ideas of a group Group participants maybe homogenous or heterogenous Discussion revolves around a SINGLE topic only

Please refer to the Data Collection Methods handout Uses Please refer to the Data Collection Methods handout

How to conduct a FGD? Determine the __________ Recruit _____________ Prepare ___________arrangements Prepare a ______________guide Clear, set objective must first be developed Participants must have some degree of commonality; if using several sets of key informants categorize them separately I.e. experts, lay, clergy, students, etc. 3. Ensure confidentiality; Invite participants early

Conducting the FGD Identify a _______________ Stimulate the discussion MUST NOT act as an expert in the discussion Introduce the ______________ Allow participants to introduce themselves Encourage __________ ___________

Conducting the FGD Deal with ________ __________ appropriately Build _____________ Avoid being the ____________

Conducting the FGD ___________ the rhythm of the discussion unobtrusively ___________ at the end ___________ to additional comments given at the end of meeting

Conducting the FGD Identify a ____________ Documents the proceedings of the meeting as well as the emotional reactions of the participants Date, time place Names of participant General description of dynamics (dominating persons, participation level, etc.) 1. Reactions and emotional responses can lead to identifying crucial issues on the topic

Conducting the FGD ___________of participants, key statements ________________aspects ________________used Spontaneous relevant ____________ _____________and ___________of sessions

Analysis of Discussion Results Transcribe notes Code the topics and issues discussed Highlight the comments made on each topic or issue Summarize using a compilation sheet Compare opinions of each group on a specific topic

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References Debus M, Porter Novelli (1986) Handbook for Excellence in Focus Group Research, Washington: Academy for Educational Development, Healthcom. Helitzer-Alland, Makhambera Mano, Wangel AM (1994) Obtaining sensitive information: The need for more than Focus Groups. Reproductive Health Matters 3:75-82 Khan ME, Anker M, Patel BC, Barge S, Sadhwani H, Kohle R (1991) The Use of Focus Groups in Social and Behavioural Research: Some Methodological Issues. World Health Statistical Quarterly, 4 4:145-149. Krueger RA (1988) Focus Groups. A practical guide for applied research. Newbury Park: Sage Publications. (In particular pp. 51-71 and 91-105.) Morgan DL (1993) Successful Focus Groups: Advancing the State of the Art. California: Sage Publications Inc. Powell RA and Simple HM (1996) Methodology Matters V: Focus Groups. International Journal for Quality in Health Care 8 (5):499-504. http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-56615-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html