Focus group research

Introduction

Key terms: qualitative research, research design, data collection and analysis, group interaction, introductory course, relevant for students in any phase of the PhD trajectory

ECTS: 2.5
Number of sessions: 4
Hours per session: 3

Focus groups are widely used in the social sciences, yet they are often treated as little more than interviews with multiple participants. This course takes a different perspective and examines focus groups as a distinct qualitative research method that generates data through social interaction. The goal of this course is to highlight the distinctive values of focus group research in addition to other research methods such as individual interviews, observations, and surveys. 

Participants will learn how to design, moderate, analyse and report focus group research. We will pay specific attention to the opportunities and challenges of studying collective sense-making, norms, disagreement and group dynamics.

The course combines lectures, discussions, practical exercises and applications to participants' own PhD projects. During the course, participants will develop a focus group design that can be used in their own research.

Active participation is required. Participants are expected to prepare assigned readings and engage in discussions and practical exercises aimed at their own research projects.

Who is this for?

Relations with other courses

This course complements other qualitative methods courses offered by the Erasmus Graduate School of Social Sciences and the Humanities by focusing specifically on data collection and analysis in group settings.

Sessions and preparations 

Session 1: Why focus groups?
This introductory session explores what focus groups are and what distinguishes them from interviews, surveys and other qualitative methods. Particular attention is paid to the types of research questions for which focus groups are most suitable, including the study of norms, sense-making, consensus, disagreement and social interaction. Participants will reflect on the potential value of focus groups for their own PhD projects and assess whether the method is appropriate for their research. If the conclusion is negative, they can opt out of the course after this first session. 

Session 2: Designing focus group research
This session focuses on the design of focus group studies. Topics include formulating research questions, sampling strategies, group composition, recruitment, topic guide development and ethical considerations. Participants will begin developing a focus group design relevant to their own research project.

Session 3: Moderating focus groups and generating data
This session focuses on the practical organisation and conduct of focus groups. Topics include the role of the moderator, managing group dynamics, encouraging participation and dealing with challenging situations. Particular attention is paid to the generation and recording of high-quality data, including choices regarding audio and video recording, note-taking, observation protocols, online focus groups and the use of observation or mirror rooms. The session includes practical exercises and simulated focus groups.

Session 4: Analysing and reporting focus group data
The final session explores different approaches to analysing focus group data, including thematic, framework and interaction-oriented approaches. Participants will work with sample transcripts and discuss how to analyse interaction, consensus and disagreement. The session concludes with guidance on reporting focus group findings in journal articles, dissertations and research reports.

Preparations:
Two weeks before the start of the course a complete syllabus will be provided including a more detailed outline of the sessions and the preparatory readings.