Looking for an effective way to gather qualitative data? This review examines the re-emergence of focus groups as a popular technique for gathering qualitative data in sociology and various applied research areas. It explores their use as a self-contained method and in combination with surveys and in-depth interviews. The review compares focus groups to surveys and individual interviews, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of group interviews and the roles of group interaction and moderator guidance. The group produces interaction to better assess qualitative data. It emphasizes that careful research design is essential for maximizing the benefits of focus groups at both project and group levels. The review suggests future directions such as establishing reporting standards, conducting methodological research, addressing data analysis issues, and engaging with participant concerns. It helps the user to better understand future application of focus groups. Overall, this review provides guidance on how to use focus groups effectively and ethically in social research.
As a contribution to the Annual Review of Sociology, this article provides a broad overview of focus groups within the sociological research landscape. It reviews the method's development, discusses its strengths and weaknesses, and proposes avenues for future investigation. Therefore, this review is well-suited to the audience of sociology.
| Category | Category Repetition |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 573 |
| Medicine: Public aspects of medicine | 264 |
| Medicine: Medicine (General) | 201 |
| Social Sciences: Sociology (General) | 185 |
| Geography. Anthropology. Recreation: Environmental sciences | 150 |