How to Interview and Conduct Focus Groups

This book is a valuable resource for students and early-career researchers who want to learn how to prepare for and conduct interviews and focus groups in qualitative research. It provides step-by-step guidance on planning, conducting, coding, analyzing, and reporting data, as well as professional skills for using technology ethically and appropriately. It is part of APA's Concise Guides to Conducting Behavioral, Health, and Social Science Research series and is aimed at undergraduate students in research methods courses or others with a lab or research project.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 187 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: American Psychological Association

Interviews and focus groups are crucial tools in qualitative research, providing valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of individuals or groups. This comprehensive book aims to guide students and early-career researchers in effectively preparing for and conducting these research methods.

Planning and Conducting Interviews:

The book begins by discussing the importance of interviews and focus groups in qualitative research. It explains how these methods can help researchers gain deep insights into the experiences, beliefs, and attitudes of study participants. It then provides step-by-step guidance on how to plan for and conduct interviews and focus groups, including developing interview protocols, selecting appropriate participants, and ensuring ethical conduct throughout the research process.

Example Interview Protocols:

To assist researchers in getting started, the book includes example interview protocols that can be adapted to different research contexts. These protocols cover a range of topics, such as experiences with healthcare, perceptions of social media, or attitudes toward education. By using these protocols, researchers can ensure that their interviews are structured, focused, and relevant to their study objectives.

Tips for Recruitment and Requesting Consent:

Recruiting participants for interviews and focus groups can be a challenging task. The book provides helpful tips for recruitment, including identifying appropriate study populations, using appropriate recruitment strategies, and ensuring that participants understand the purpose and benefits of the research. It also discusses the importance of obtaining informed consent from participants before conducting the research.

Group Facilitation Guidelines:

Focus groups are a powerful tool for gathering information from a group of individuals. The book provides guidelines for facilitating focus groups, including setting the tone, managing participant interactions, and ensuring that the group remains focused and productive. It also discusses the use of technology in focus group research, such as video recording and online platforms.

Creating Codebooks:

Coding is a critical step in the data analysis process in qualitative research. The book provides detailed instructions on how to create codebooks, which are used to systematically organize and classify data. It also discusses the use of software tools, such as NVivo, for coding and analyzing data.

Reporting and Publishing:

Once the data has been collected and analyzed, it is important to report the findings in a clear and concise manner. The book provides guidance on how to write research reports and manuscripts, including structuring the content, using appropriate language, and citing sources appropriately. It also discusses the publication process, including submitting manuscripts to journals and conferences.

Professional Skills for Using Technology Ethically and Appropriately:

In today's digital age, technology plays a significant role in research. The book emphasizes the importance of using technology ethically and appropriately, including protecting the privacy and confidentiality of participants, avoiding bias and discrimination, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data.

Conclusion:

Interviews and focus groups are essential tools in qualitative research, providing researchers with a rich source of data and insights. This book offers comprehensive guidance on how to plan for and conduct these research methods, including developing effective interview protocols, recruiting participants, facilitating focus groups, coding and analyzing data, and reporting and publishing findings. By following the advice in this book, students and early-career researchers will develop the skills necessary to conduct high-quality qualitative research and contribute to the field of research.

This book is part of APA's Concise Guides to Conducting Behavioral, Health, and Social Science Research series, which aims to provide students and early-career researchers with a solid grounding in research from start to finish. Each book in the series describes a key stage in the research process, covering topics such as research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Collectively, these books provide a comprehensive and practical guide to conducting research in behavioral, health, and social sciences.

In conclusion, Interviews and Focus Groups: A Guide for Students and Early-Career Researchers is a valuable resource for anyone interested in conducting qualitative research. It provides comprehensive guidance on planning and conducting interviews and focus groups, including developing effective interview protocols, recruiting participants, facilitating focus groups, coding and analyzing data, and reporting and publishing findings. By following the advice in this book, students and early-career researchers will develop the skills necessary to conduct high-quality qualitative research and contribute to the field of research.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433833793