Focus Groups
Theory and Practice

Third Edition

David W. Stewart - Loyola Marymount University, USA
Prem N. Shamdasani - National University of Singapore, Singapore

Volume: 20

Series:
Applied Social Research Methods

Other Titles in:
Focus Group Research | Marketing Research | Sociological Research Methods

April 2014 | 224 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

The fully updated Third Edition of Focus Groups: Theory and Practice offers a unique blend of focus group theory and practice in a single, easy-to-read source. It provides systematic treatment to the design, conduct, and interpretation of focus group data within the context of social science research and theory. Known for accessibility and step-by-step guidance, comprehensive treatment, and historical perspective, the book examines every facet of focus group research, from the selection and recruitment of group participants, to the selection of a moderator and conducting of interviews, to the analysis of focus group data. The Third Edition reflects the growing use of focus group research to address an increasingly broad array of issues that have a global span, and also provides more guidance on conducting virtual focus groups.

1. Introduction: Focus Group History, Theory, and Practice

2. Group Dynamics and Focus Group Research

3. Focus Groups and the Research Toolbox

4. Recruiting Focus Group Participants and Designing the Interview Guide

5. The Focus Group Moderator

6. Conducting the Focus Group

7. Analyzing Focus Group Data

8. Focus Groups in Practice

9. Virtual Focus Groups and Other Group Methods

10. Conclusion

Very good.

Useful when completing a research project module.

Mr Stuart Priestley

Sport, Myerscough College

drupal

A nice text for postgraduate students delving into qualitative research using focus groups. Provides guidelines on international use of focus groups and was great to see virtual groups included.

Mrs Pragashnie Naidoo

Occupational Therapy (Westville campus), University of Kwazulu-Natal

drupal

The focus on globalized, cross-cultural influences was particularly useful.

Ms Alison Devine

Clinical Education, Edge Hill University

drupal

an excellent text for anyone engaged in research by this method. a through introduction and helpful guide to the processes involved.

Ms Karen Hillison

Department of Social Work, Hull University

drupal

well-written book, and fully justifies the theme. could also address other group dynamics.

Professor Antonio Abrantes

Departamento Sociologia, Universidade Algarve

drupal

A practical guide that we cannot miss

Professor Luis Andrade

Gestão, Universidade Europeia

drupal

Useful and practice-oriented book.

Professor Raquel Ribeiro

CAPP, Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas

drupal

This was useful for own doctoral support and helped support dissertation students

Miss Diana Parton

Department of Primary Education, Bedfordshire University

June 19, 2015

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This is a very good resource for postgraduate students and researchers considering the use of Focus Groups.

Dr Margaret Smith

School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret Univ College, Edinburgh

April 28, 2015

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A practical guide that we cannot miss

Professor Luis Andrade

Gestão, Universidade Europeia

March 11, 2015

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Key features

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

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

Chapter 7

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Focus Groups
Theory and Practice

Sample Materials & Chapters

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