Focus group method in qualitative research Méthode des groupes de discussion en recherche qualitative

Abstract

Researchers are divided into two categories in social sciences according to the the nature of the utilized information; quantitative researches and qualitative ones, which differ from the first category, that their great concerns are the phenomenon and its sense much more than the cause and effect, by using different data collection instruments such observation, the interview, case study, papers analysis, life story, free association, and focus groups. That is the last one has been given much importance by researchers in the field of social sciences just because it offers hypothesis which can be

tested soon. Besides, it relies on the quality of the guide which it presents; especially it studies people’s perceptions as well as depending on analyzing the situations and states by people. So, this research paper aims at clarifying and presenting the logical basis of this technique, how to use it and the steps of applying it empirically with the main conditions of each step, and the criteria of its success.

The focus group technique can be considered as group interviews in which the cognitive and personal experiences and various opinions and trends of the participants on a topic are exchanged related to the sample members, and it is considered a very effective way to collect data qualitatively on an unknown topic, or an attempt to make some proposals on a topic, such as development programs or treatment, with the advice of specialists or those concerned, it is more appropriate to collect specific qualitative data with common interests in order to reach a set of perceptions, perceptions or agreements collective on a topic or issue, and employ it in proportion to the objective of the study, either investigation, evaluation, evaluation, planning, guidance or development