"Things to consider when interviewingpeople/groups • own biases and expectations • maintaining focus• sensitive issues • sampling • recording and transcribinginterview data • translating interview data Dr Nataliya Shiraz 2016/17Focus Groups ? Focus groups are organisedgroup discussions which aim tocollect groups’ views on onetheme (Bryman, 2008) ? Interactions within the groupbased on a research topic orquestions supplied by theresearcher ? Can use vignettes or images toprovoke discussion on a theme Dr Nataliya Shiraz 2016/17Conducting a focus group – Practical issues Be there before to set up room. Welcome members (tea and biscuits are often a good idea) Usual stuff – •Tell the group the purpose of the meeting •Tell them how long the meeting will last •Obtain any consent needed/ assurances of anonymity Get everyone to introduce themselves (Maybe even name badges). Maybe even an ‘opening circle’ – who you are, what you do. This getseveryone to say something. Recording is vital. Dr Nataliya Shiraz 2016/17Conducting a focus group Dr Nataliya Shiraz 2016/17You want to understand how family businesses inemerging markets use social networks to facilitatebusiness growth You want to follow-up on a study which showedemployees are dissatisfied with their new pay system. You want to examine teachers’ perceptions of thegovernment agenda on widening participationYou want to understand older consumers’ response toonline shopping. Dr Nataliya Shiraz 2016/17"