Focus Groups

Theory and Practice

NEW AND KEY FEATURES

• Thoroughly updated content reflecting the growing maturity of focus group research and new domains of research and methodology within an international context
• Highlights and offers insight into the increasing use of focus group research to address an ever-broadening array of global populations, such as rural farmers on the Indian subcontinent, gang members in south Los Angeles, and parents who homeschool their children
• An examination of virtual focus groups, and the unique advantages and challenges that arise in recruitment and interviewing
• Expanded information on the role of Institutional Review Board approval, the identification of research sites, the recruiting of participants, and the development of the interview guide
• Increased coverage of the role of the moderator and the conduct of focus groups
• Updated discussion on the use of software tools in focus groups
• Accessible tone gives readers confidence in using focus groups as a source of data collection
• Step-by-step guidance provides a “how to” manual for students
• A historical overview of the use of focus groups promotes appreciation for the important role focus group inquiry plays in research endeavors