Focus group discussion is a technique that is used to obtain data from selected groups to make an understanding of social issues. A method is a qualitative approach that can be used in conservation science to understand various human perspectives. A researcher assembles data and draws conclusions based on perceptions, attitudes, and participant attitudes through the technique (O. Nyumba et al., 2018). This paper, therefore, discusses some of the relevant or irrelevant recommendations, the justification of such suggestions, personal thoughts, and whether proposals were brought out clearly regarding their uses in focus groups.
In the article, recommendations for the best practice of focus groups can be used while engaging in discussion about a topic. Therefore, the technique is widely used as it is easy and can be used alongside other approaches. Despite the method being easy, it should be noted that while discussing the manipulation of information, this makes a loophole using the technique. Therefore while discussing, create a clear pathway of verifying claims and approaching the discussion of an issue with relevant materials.
Another relevant recommendation for the best guidance while using focus groups is focusing on the facilitation of the group, especially while engaging in the analysis of research. In such a case, the moderator should be in a position to coordinate and have good listening skills that ensure that the research process proceeds to the next phase. Lastly, the article also recommends highlighting some possible biases that affect a group discussion.
Therefore, the recommendation is provided within the body of the article, which ensures that group discussion provides the qualitative data required when doing research. In the article, as the investigation begins, it is vital to define the study’s objectives, recruit relevant members, and identify a location. This allows for coming up with a topic study, deciding on participants, and lastly, operating in a conducive environment that is accessible. While doing the research design, it is recommended that a group provide a clear rationale that suits the group discussion design. In this case, the topic should have questions that relate to phenomena and allow the group to engage among themselves and acquire the relevant materials.
Additionally, some recommendations support group discussion as a quality method for qualitative research during data collection. These recommendations should be made during pre-session preparation and facilitation of the meeting. During this phase, the moderator should have excellent moderator skills such as building rapport, creating good observation, and practising active listening. In addition to that, it is also vital for the moderator to be flexible and flow with the discussion.
Therefore, the recommendations required while applying group discussion and research are easy to follow. The ease is seen as the method engages in research with meetings and readily available materials. Therefore, a conclusion can easily be drawn from the data collected. Thus, through comparison and analysis. The approach is successful when the moderator is skilful at what they are doing while recruiting, maintaining, discussing, making observations, and making a general conclusion without bias.
While applying the technique, it is important to focus on the topic of study, the moderator and the group engaging in research in that order. Therefore, this is a sure way to obtain quality results from the group discussion. Thus, the method can be used alongside interviews to come up with finer details. This is because both techniques have loopholes, and when used together, a researcher can get finer research points.
Reference
O. Nyumba, T., Wilson, K., Derrick, C. J., & Mukherjee, N. (2018). The use of focus group discussion methodology: Insights from two decades of application in conservation. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 9(1), 20–32.