Exchanging focus groups for individual interviews when collecting qualitative data
Exchanging focus groups for individual interviews when collecting qualitative data
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DOI：
10.7748/nr.2019.e1633
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发表时间：
2019-06-17
期刊：
影响因子：
1.2
通讯作者：
Baillie, Lesley
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
Baillie, Lesley
焦点小组数据是通过参与者之间的互动而创建的，而个人访谈的数据是通过参与者和研究者之间的对话创建的，他们的问题设定了议程。因此，焦点小组和个别访谈的使用原因不同，产生的数据也不同。然而，有时研究人员交换焦点小组的个别采访时收集data.Aim讨论的理由使用焦点小组，原因交换焦点小组访谈时收集定性data.Discussion的研究质量的任何影响，作者首先考虑的独特功能的焦点小组，以及如何这些对比与个别访谈。为什么个人访谈被添加到焦点小组设计的研究的原因，然后考虑，根据作者的经验和选择的研究。研究人员表现出灵活性，调整计划，包括特定的个人，但他们可以提供更清晰的理由，使用焦点小组和改变他们的designs.Conclusion研究人员应该合理化他们的研究方法的选择，并采取透明和系统的方法，清楚说明研究过程，并解释对原始设计的任何更改。对实践的影响研究人员应认识到焦点小组和访谈数据之间的差异，反映他们使用每种方法的理由，并证明他们的选择。如果招募可能很困难，打算使用焦点小组的研究人员仍然可以在他们的初步设计中包括个人访谈。
Background Focus group data are created through interactions between participants whereas data from individual interviews are created through a dialogue between the participant and researcher, whose questions set the agenda. Focus groups and individual interviews are therefore used for different reasons and produce different data. However, sometimes researchers exchange focus groups for individual interviews when collecting data.Aim To discuss the rationale for using focus groups, reasons for exchanging focus groups for interviews when collecting qualitative data and any implications for the quality of research in doing so.Discussion The author first considers the unique features of focus groups and how these contrast with individual interviews. The reasons why individual interviews are added to studies designed for focus groups are then considered, based on the author's experience and a selection of research studies. Researchers showed flexibility, adapting plans to include particular individuals, but they could have provided clearer rationales for using focus groups and changing their designs.Conclusion Researchers should rationalise their choices of research methods and adopt a transparent and systematic approach, with a clear account of the research process and explanations about any changes to their original designs.Implications for practice Researchers should recognise the differences between focus group and interview data, reflect on their rationales for using each method, and justify their choices. If recruitment is likely to be difficult, researchers intending to use focus groups could nevertheless include individual interviews in their initial design.