Focus Group Discussion Research - 1375 Words

Focus Group Discussion Research (Term Paper Sample) Content: FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION 1 IntroductionFocus groups were first used at Columbia University in the 1940s. Early groups were used to study things such as U.S. troop morale following World War II. Private businesses were early adopters of focus groups, having used them since the 1950s to better understand consumer behavior and preferences. In the 1980s and 1990s, social scientists recognized the benefits of focus groups as a qualitative method. 2 What is a focus group discussion?A focus group is an interactive discussion between 6 to 8 pre-selected participants, led by a trained moderator/facilitator and focusing on a specific set of issues (Hennink, Hutter Bailey, 2011). According to Rubin and Rubin (2012), in a focus group, a researcher brings together a group of individuals representative of the population whose ideas are of interest. 3 How are focus groups different from regular groups?A focus group is different from other groups in that it is focused, has a specific discussion topic, has a trained facilitator and its composition is carefully planned to create a nonthreatening environment4. Some reasons for a focus group discussion * The group environment acts to temper (modify) extreme views, so that the method also provides an effective means to identify community norms, views and behavior. * The interactive nature of data collection enables this method to generate more insights on the research issues than a series of in-depth interviews with the same number of participants. * Focus groups also are useful when study participants have trouble reading or writing. * They are helpful when perceived power dynamics or the sensitivity of a topic would interfere with responses in a one-on-one interview. 1 When to conduct group discussions.Focus group discussions can be used for exploratory, explanatory or evaluative research as well as policy oriented research and are particularly suitable for the following: * Exploring new topics about which little i s known or where the issues are unclear. * Gaining a range of views about the study issues in a single episode of data collection * Understanding typical behavior or social-cultural norms in the study population and highlighting unusual or extreme behavior. * Understanding group process (decision-making).. * Mixed methods research, where focus group discussions are paired with quantitative research or other qualitative methods. 2 The cyclical nature of data collectionThe process of data collection occurs in a cyclical manner during the ethnographic cycle. The cyclical nature of data collection; which is characteristic of qualitative data research, also allows researchers to identify when to stop data collection. As data are being collected researchers can identify the point at which no more new information is being indentified. This is the point of saturation at which further data collection serves no purpose. 3 Developing the discussion guideA discussion guide is a list of topics o r a series of actual questions used by the moderator to guide the discussion and keep it focused on the research topic. It is a memory aide and ensures that key topics are covered during the discussion. Even though the questions on the guide are structured in a logical sequence, the moderator needs to be flexible to follow topics as they are spontaneously raised by participants.Structure of the discussion guide (Funnel design)Making introductions then opening question "Breaking the iceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ . Introductory question follows transition questions. Key questions dominate then closing questionsQuestion designThe focus group questions should be clear, short and simple, avoid jargon and specialist terminology, be one-dimensional and phrased in an informal conversational style. Three unique aspect of a focus group discussion guide are: the questions should promote discussion, direct personal questions are avoided, and fewer questions are included than in an in-depth interview guide. 1 TranslationSome focus groups discussion would be conducted in a different language from that of the researcher. In such situations the discussion guide should be translated into the language in which the discussion will be conducted in appropriate colloquial language not more formal translation. It is extremely important to check the quality of the translated discussion guide. Back-translation is a common strategy used to check the accuracy of the translation. 4 Preparing for data collection 2 Group composition: 1 Homogeneity among participant: Each group should comprise of participants with relatively homogeneous socio-demographic characteristics or some degree of shared experience of the discussion topic. 2 Level of familiarity among participants: The level of acquaintance among participants can also influence participantsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ contribution to the group. 3 Group sizeIdeally 6-8 participants. If fewer than six, it is difficult to sustain a discussion and gain a diversity o f perspectives, and more than eight, there is limited opportunity for each participants to actively participate and it becomes difficult for the moderator to manage the discussions. 4 Group location 1 Anywhere indoors or outdoors, as long as the location is quiet, private, comfortable, free of distractions and easy for participants to locate. 2 However, consider whether the location has any associations that may influence participantsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ contributions to the discussion. 5 Conducting the focus group discussion 5 Roles of the focus group teamComprises of a moderator and a note-taker. The role of the note-taker is to write down the key issues discussed during the group discussion in sufficient detail to reconstruct the main flow of the discussion. The note-takerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s summary should be a detailed record of the discussion issues.The moderatorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s key role is to manage the group discussions so that the information gained can sufficiently meet the research objectives . The moderatorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s tasks include:The first task is welcoming and thanking participants and outlining the process and guidelines for discussions. Ethical tasks such as informed consents, assurance of confidentiality, and storage of data are highlighted. Group cohesion is then emphasized. Facilitating discussion tasks such as managing group dynamics, keep the discussion focused. 6 Managing group dynamicsEveryone must be given an opportunity to contribute. The quiet participant can easily be overlooked; however, their opinions are equally important. The moderator should ensure that they are encouraged to participate. The dominant participant often monopolizes the discussion. The moderator should allow the dominant person to make their point, but not to allow them to dominate the discussion and restrain the contribution of others. The rambling participant monopolizes the discussion time with accounts of their experiences often of marginal relevance. The moderator has to interru pt them and redirect the discussion. 7 Group probing techniques

Feminist Consciousness-Raising Groups

Feminist consciousness-raising groups, or CR groups, began in the 1960s in New York and Chicago and quickly spread across the United States. Feminist leaders called consciousness-raising the backbone of the movement and a chief organizing tool. The Genesis of Consciousness-Raising in New York The idea to start a consciousness-raising group occurred early in the existence of the feminist organization New York Radical Women. As NYRW members tried to determine what their next action should be, Anne Forer asked the other women to give her examples from their lives of how they had been oppressed, because she needed to raise her consciousness. She recalled that labor movements of the Old Left, which fought for workers rights, had spoken of raising the consciousness of workers who did not know they were oppressed. Fellow NYRW member Kathie Sarachild picked up on Anne Forers phrase. While Sarachild said that she had extensively considered how women were oppressed, she realized that the personal experience of an individual woman could be instructive for many women. What Happened in a CR Group? NYRW began consciousness-raising by selecting a topic related to womens experience, such as husbands, dating, economic dependence, having children, abortion, or a variety of other issues. The members of the CR group went around the room, each speaking about the chosen topic. Ideally, according to feminist leaders, women met in small groups, usually consisting of a dozen women or fewer. They took turns speaking about the topic, and every woman was allowed to speak, so no one dominated the discussion. Then the group discussed what had been learned. Effects of Consciousness-Raising Carol Hanisch said that consciousness-raising worked because it destroyed the isolation that men used to maintain their authority and supremacy. She later explained in her famous essay The Personal is Political that consciousness-raising groups were not a psychological therapy group but rather a valid form of political action. In addition to creating a sense of sisterhood, CR groups allowed women to verbalize feelings they may have dismissed as unimportant. Because discrimination was so pervasive, it was difficult to pinpoint. Women may not have even noticed the ways a patriarchal, male-dominated society oppressed them. What an individual woman previously felt was her own inadequacy could have actually resulted from societys ingrained tradition of male authority oppressing women. Kathie Sarachild remarked on the resistance to consciousness-raising groups as they spread across the Womens Liberation movement. She noted that the pioneering feminists had initially thought to use consciousness-raising as a way to figure out what their next action would be. They had not anticipated that the group discussions themselves would end up being seen as a radical action to be feared and criticized.

Edgar Allan Poe; Fame Inspired by a Tragic Life - 865 Words

The 19th century American poet, Edgar Allan Poe, had been plagued by grief from an early age. He was an amazing poet and author who just happened to have a darker story. Many who have studied this prestigious man feel that his works, though magnificent, were extremely dark. Some believe it was nothing more then a fancy for him to spin such gruesome tales. Others feel his work was manipulated by the misfortune of his past. These people have actually found evidence that agrees with this statement. The works of Edgar Allan Poe were inspired by the history and life style of the author. The evidence is evident, when people look back and examine the author, his life, and his writings closely. WHO IS EDGAR ALLAN POE? Edgar Allan Poe was a†¦show more content†¦He was then pawned off on a family friend and wealthy exporter from Richmond. John Allan took in young Poe, and he and his wife raised him into his teens (Edgar Allan Poe.† LitFinder. 2007). This is where Edgar Allan Poe picked up the last name â€Å"Allan.† Poe was never formally adopted, though he was treated as John Allans adopted son and was even announced as his heir for a period of time. The Allans had Poe formally educated to the best of their ability, and even took him to stay in England for five years. Frances Allan, Poes adoptive mother, treated him as her own and loved him unconditionally (â€Å"Edgar Allan Poe† Biography in Context. 1998). Relations with Poes adoptive father John Allan, however, were unsteady. Allan thought Poe to be â€Å"surly and ungrateful, and gradually seemed to have decided Poe was not to be his heir after all† (â€Å"Edgar Allan Poe† Biogr aphy in Context. 1998). This troubled Poe deeply. Poe depended on the hopes he would have Allans legacy. This was the start of Edgar Allan Poes long history with financial insecurity. BIO PT 2, EDUCATION AND PUBLICATIONS In 1826, Poe attended the University of Virginia for less then a year. He dropped out due to lack of funding from his foster father as well as his every growing debt. (Edgar Allan Poe.† LitFinder. 2007). Poe turned to gambling in order to stretch his allowance, but in eight months he has lost over $2,000. Allan refused to help Poe, which lead to a totalShow MoreRelatedEdgar Allan Poe721 Words   |  3 PagesEdgar Allan Poe Edgar Allen Poe, born is 1809, was an American short story writer, poet, and critic. He is commonly know as the father of detective stories. His most well know work of art is his poem The Raven (Werlock). Although Poe had a short lived career, his literature continues to influence many writers in the United States and Europe. He worked with many genres such as: gothic tale, science fiction, occult fantasies, and satire. While many critics consider his works of literature as grotesqueRead MoreLiterary Critics Of Edgar Allan Poe1693 Words   |  7 PagesEdgar Allan Poe is credited to be one of the best writers, editors, and literary critics of all time. His poetry and short stories are what majority of people recognize him for. His long and intriguing stories about mystery and the macabre are just some examples of his classic writings. At first, Edgar Allan Poe was referred to as the inventor of the modern detective story and a specialist in the science fiction genre. It was not unt il later in his life that people began to acknowledge him as oneRead MoreCommon Themes of Edgar Allan Poe3152 Words   |  13 PagesAn Analysis of the Common Themes Found in selected works of Edgar Allan Poe A Research Presented to The faculty of the English Department In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in English IV By March 2010 Acknowledgement The researcher would like to thank the following people who help and give guidance to make this project To the Project adviser and the home room adviser of the researchers, who gave his outmost patience and time to check the drafts and format of eachRead MoreCommon Themes of Edgar Allan Poe3166 Words   |  13 PagesAn Analysis of the Common Themes Found in selected works of Edgar Allan Poe A Research Presented to The faculty of the English Department In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in English IV By March 2010 Acknowledgement The researcher would like to thank the following people who help and give guidance to make this project To the Project adviser and the home room adviser of the researchers, who gave his outmost patience and time to check the drafts and format of each part of this very

David Hockney free essay sample

Analyzes two crayon drawings from artists Realism period, Celia in a Black Dress with White Flowers (1972) Celia Wearing Checked Sleeves (1973). Style, content usefulness in art instruction. David Hockney has had one of the most unusual careers of any artist of this century. Born in England in 1937, by the time he left Londons Royal College of Art Hockney already had a national reputation as a painter. Since that time he has consistently been one of the most financially and critically successful artists in the world as well as one of the most popular (Livingstone 9). Hockneys works are known and recognized by a far broader audience than most artists enjoy. His is the kind of success that perfectly blends popular and critical acclaim. Thus, the prestigious Tate Gallery of London consistently reports that Hockneys well-known double portrait Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Percy (1970-71) is the museums most popular picture with visitors (Geldzahler 14). We will write a custom essay sample on David Hockney or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This popularity has grown even as Hockney has changed mediums and styles. From the early