Abstract
Focus groups are a commonly used qualitative data collection technique with many applications. Novice researchers often make the assumption that a focus group is nothing more than a group conversation, underestimating the skill it takes to facilitate an effective focus group. A researcher engaging in focus groups is interested in participants’ ideas, interpretations, feelings, actions and circumstances. This webinar will cover the basic considerations needed for researchers interested in using focus groups in their studies.
Following this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Describe the characteristics of a focus group
- Understand when to use and not to use a focus group
- Understand focus group question categories
- Give examples of open-ended questions and probes
- Understand how to design, implement and moderate a focus group
- Describe the best type of research questions to use in a focus group
- Understand the basics of analyzing focus group data
- Describe multiple ways a researcher can incorporate focus groups into a study design
Pre-Work Recommendations:
Spend time exploring the following:
- Please view : Rural PREP Research Webinar: Qualitative Inquiry for Rural Programs
- Read this example of a study that utilizes focus groups:
Pullen, E & Oser, C. Barriers to Substance Abuse Treatment in Rural and Urban Communities: Counselor Perspectives. Substance Use & Misuse, 49:891–901, 2014 Copyright C 2014 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. ISSN: 1082-6084 print / 1532-2491 online DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2014.891615
Presenters
Sharon Casapulla, EdD, MEd
Director, Education and Research, Office of Rural and Underserved Programs, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio, University, Athens, OH
Sharon Casapulla has a MEd from Virginia Tech and an EdD from Ohio University. Sharon is the Director of Education and Research for the Office of Rural and Underserved programs (ORUP) at Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (HCOM) at Ohio University. Dr. Casapulla has over 20 years of experience in various educational settings and for the past five years, has directed the Rural and Urban Scholars Pathways (RUSP) Program at HCOM. She holds rank of assistant professor and adjunct positions in the departments of Family Medicine and Social Medicine at HCOM. She is a reviewer for the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. She teaches graduate level classes in qualitative research methods and data analysis.