Conducting Focus Groups
Date:
31/10/2019
Organised by:
Social Research Association
Presenter:
Dr Karen Lumsden
Level:
Entry (no or almost no prior knowledge)
Contact:
Lindsay Adams - T: 0207 255 0695
E: lindsay.adams@the-sra.org.uk
Description:
Focus groups are an increasingly popular qualitative research method but it is vital to understand the kind of data they generate so that they are chosen wisely. As a method they require considerable questioning and facilitation skills. This highly interactive course shows how to improve the quality of focus group research by achieving optimum group composition, and ensuring a lively and fully participative discussion
Topics
- the nature of focus groups and focus group data
- using focus groups appropriately
- discussion guides and focusing exercises
- questioning and moderating skills
- the composition of focus groups
- practicalities of recruiting and running groups venues; recording; transcription
Objectives
- to give participants a clear understanding of when to use focus groups as a qualitative method
- to illustrate the importance of group composition and its impact on group dynamics
- to describe techniques for involving participants, keeping the discussion on track and ensuring sufficient depth of coverage
- to provide first-hand experience of one of three key roles: facilitator, group member, observer
Course tutor
Dr Karen Lumsden is Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Leicester and has a PhD in Sociology from the University of Aberdeen. She has experience teaching qualitative research methods at postgraduate level and to academics and practitioners. This includes courses at the Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow, University of Essex and Kingston University, and for the Social Research Association. Karen has also designed and delivered social research methods training for police officers and staff via the East Midlands Policing Academic Collaboration (EMPAC). She was lead of their Victims, Witnesses & Public Protection Network. She has authored a number of academic books and journal articles in the areas of sociology and criminology, and on research methods.
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Cost:
£270 which includes lunch and refreshments. Members for SRA pay £202.50
Website and registration:
Region:
Scotland
Keywords:
Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Focus Groups
Related publications and presentations:
Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis