Focus Group Interview: Purpose, Types and Advantages and Disadvantages by Muhammad Yousuf Ali
A Focus Group Interview is a qualitative method. Its purpose is to obtain in-depth information on concepts, perceptions and ideas of a group. A Focus Group Discussion aims to be more than a question-answer interaction. The idea is that group members discuss the topic among themselves, with guidance from the facilitator. Suitable definition provided by (Powell et al., 1996)
A group of individuals selected and assembled by researchers to discuss and comment on, from personal experience, the topic that is the subject of the research.
2. What are the purpose of Focus group interview?
The main purpose of focus group research is to draw upon respondents’ attitudes, feelings, beliefs, experiences and reactions in a way in which would not be feasible using other methods, for example observation, one-to-one interviewing, or questionnaire surveys.
3. Which Discipline Focus Groups Interview conducted?
Focus group interview conducted in the academic discipline of social Sciences, (Political Science, International relation and Library Science) Marketing, Consumer opinion, Usability engineering/human computer interaction about the computer products understanding and motivation and etc.
4. What are the Types of Focus Group Interview?
Types of focus groups
There are six main types of Focus group interview include:
- Two-way focus group: A two-way group involves two separate groups having discussions on the topic at different times. As one group conducts their study, the other group observes the discussion. In the end, the group that observed the first session performs their conversation. The second group can use insights gained from watching the first discussion to dive deeper into the topic and offer more perspective.
- Dual-moderator focus group: There are two moderators for this event. One ensures smooth execution, and the other guarantees the discussion of each question.
- Mini focus group: This type of group restricts participants to 4-5 members instead of the usual 6-10.
- Client-involvement focus group: Use this group when clients ask you to conduct a focus group and invite those who ask.
- Participant-moderated focus group: One or more participants provisionally take up the role of moderator.
- Online focus group: These groups employ online mediums to gather opinions and feedback. There are three categories of people in an online focus panel: observer, moderator, and respondent.
5. What are the Advantage and Disadvantage of Focus group Interview?
Advantage of Focus Group Interview
- Information obtained is usually very detailed.
- Cost-effective when compared to one-on-one interviews.
- It reflects speed and efficiency in the supply of results.
Disadvantages of Focus Group Interview
- Lacking depth in covering the nitty-gritty of a subject matter.
- Bias might still be evident.
- Requires interviewer training
- The researcher has very little control over the outcome.
- A few vocal voices can drown out the rest.
- Difficulty in assembling an all-inclusive group.
How to cite this article :
M.Y. Ali, (11 Feb 2021). Focus Group Interview: Purpose, Types and Advantages and Disadvantages. https://profileusuf.wordpress.com/focus-group-interview/
References :
Powell R.A., Single H.M., Lloyd K.R. (1996) ‘Focus groups in mental health research: enhancing the validity of user and provider questionnaires’, International Journal of Social Psychology 42 (3): 193-206.
Research Knowledge and Information 