Dr. 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"?
Texas
State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System