Broad and international in scope, Advanced Focus Group Research introduces a conceptual framework that can help researchers make informed decisions about how to plan and implement a focus group research project.

Basic and Advanced Focus Groups illustrates both the different types of focus groups and how to decide among those options in order to produce the most effective focus groups possible. A variety of approaches to doing research with focus groups gives readers the tools to develop and examine their research designs, starting with the basics. Advanced coverage in each chapter takes an in-depth look at topics such as moderating focus groups, using mixed methods, and working with different sizes of groups. By taking a practical, applied approach, the author gives even novice students the knowledge and confidence to design and conduct effective focus group research, while simultaneously providing more advanced researchers with the tools and knowledge to refine their current practices.

Advanced Focus Group Research examines the focus group research process in depth. It uncovers and addresses many of the complexities researchers encounter in conducting focus group research and introduces a conceptual framework that helps researchers make informed decisions about how to plan a focus group research project. Specifically written for researchers and students with a fundamental knowledge of focus group research, the book gives numerous examples of what researchers should and should not do in designing their own research projects. In addition, it critically examines the limits of focus groups and suggests how to use focus groups for nontraditional research tasks.

There is an increasing divergence of focus group practice between social researchers and commercial market researchers. This book addresses the key issues and practical requirements of the social researcher, namely: the kinds of social research issues for which focus groups are most and least suitable; optimum group size and composition; and the designing of focusing exercises, facilitation and appropriate analysis. The authors use examples, drawn from their own focus groups research experience, and provide exercises for further study. They address the three main components of composition, conduct and analysis in focus group research and also acknowledge the increasing impact the Internet has had on social research by cover

As one of the most popular tools for gathering information in today's marketplace focus groups require understanding of purpose and good grounding in the technique to be effective. In The Handbook for Focus Group Research, Second Edition Tom Greenbaum provides the latest information on conducting effective focus groups.

Publisher description

In this book the authors describe the specific steps to take in order to conduct focus groups in education and psychological settings. The reader is shown how to prepare for a focus group, create a moderator's guide and analyse the results.