Focus Group Interviews
What is a focus group?
A group interview used to study specific group opinions.
What does naturalistic observation entail?
Observing behavior in participants' natural environments without interfering or influencing their actions.
What are the three types of data collection methods in observational research?
Event sampling, point sampling, and time sampling.
Define descriptive questions
Inviting the participant to give a general account of something. For example, how was life different for you once you had children? What did it feel like when you first lost your job?
What is one advantage of unstructured interviews?
Researchers are not restricted in what they may ask an interviewee.
What is the typical group size for a focus group interview?
Eight to twelve people.
How can researchers reduce reactivity in naturalistic observation?
By spending time with participants before observations, using cameras for non-intrusive recording, and avoiding disruptions.
Explain event sampling in data collection.
It involves noting behaviors only when they occur, such as recording instances of aggression on a school playground.
Define structural questions
Questions used to explore responses to descriptive questions. They are used to better understand the meanings and understandings of the interviewee, often asking the participant to explain the meaning of a word that they used or making explicit links between their own life and their response to descriptive questions. For example, You said that your life became more "complicated" after you had children; could you explain what that means? or You said that you are very proud of your international identity and that you have lived around the world. To what extent do you think that this has had an effect on who you are?
Festinger's study of the Doomsday cult is an example of what type of observation?
A covert, naturalistic participant observation
What type of questions are used in focus group interviews?
Open-ended questions.
What are the strengths of naturalistic observation?
It provides insight into real-life behavior, allows for in-depth analysis, and can capture spontaneous actions.
What is the difference between structured and unstructured observation?
Structured observation uses predetermined checklists, while unstructured observation allows for open-ended data collection.
Define contrast questions.
Allowing the participant to compare events and experiences. For example, Which type of holiday do you prefer? Is there a reason you like this more than other options? or Which political party do you identify with more? What is it about the party that resonates with your own beliefs, compared to the other party?
True or False: A limitation of a naturalistic study is that it lacks apparent ecological validity
False
Why are focus groups used in psychology?
To explore and clarify group views.
Give a strength of naturalistic observations.
Naturalistic observations have high ecological validity. The collection of data takes place in the participants' natural environment and it is assumed that the participants behave as they usually do, in contrast to research in laboratories.(Will take other correct answers)
How can researchers ensure objectivity in data collection?
By having multiple observers, conducting pre-observation interviews, and using standardized methods.
Define evaluative questions.
Questions that ask about the respondent’s feelings about someone or something. For example, Did you feel afraid when you had the HIV test? or Do you feel that you made the right choice in taking a gap year after university?
What is one inductive approach to carrying out observations?
Researchers analyze the data to see what ideas "emerge" from their notes in order to decide what is important about the study.
What is the role of the facilitator in a focus group?
To guide the discussion and keep it focused.
Give one limitation.
One ethical consideration concerns the appropriateness of observing strangers without their knowledge.(Will take other correct answers)
What is the purpose of debriefing participants after data collection?
To inform participants about the study's true nature, address any concerns, and ensure ethical conduct.
True or False: Open-ended questions are commonly used in qualitative research methods to explore complex phenomena and gain in-depth insights into participants' perspectives.
True: Open-ended questions are commonly used in qualitative research methods to explore complex phenomena and gain in-depth insights into participants' perspectives.
True or False: A checklist of behaviours to look for in the notes is a inductive content (thematic) analysis?
False