Study Questions
Focus Groups as Qualitative Research, David Morgan
Political
Science 5335
Problems in
Patricia M. Shields
1.
What is a focus group?
2. What kinds of
research questions are a appropriate for focus groups?
3. What is the
unit of analysis used in focus groups?
4. Interpret the
quote. "The hallmark of focus groups is the explicit use of group
interaction to produce data and insights that would be less accessible without
the interaction found in the group."
5. Compare and
contrast marketing and social science use of focus groups. Which use seems most
appropriate for public administration research? Why?
6. List the major
types of qualitative research techniques identified by Morgan. Compare and
contrast them with focus groups.
7. Morgan
stresses the importance of participant experience and behavior rather than
attitudes and opinion. Why?
8. Describe what
Morgan means by perspective.
9. What is meant
by triangulation in research? How can focus groups be used in triangulation?
10. What
decisions should be made in the planning stage of focus groups?
11. What types of
participants would be typical of public administration focus groups?
12. Would one
expect moderator involvement to be high or low in public administration focus
groups?
13. Describe how
focus groups should be conducted. [Note: more than one way may be appropriate.]
14. Why does the
author distinguish between "interesting" and "important"?
A
member of the Texas State University System