Although their sample size was small, the authors provided relevant justification for the limited number of participants. They cited that low sample sizes are historically common in aboriginal specific research (Gordon, et al 2014, p.7). Therefore, the small sample population and survey participation rates are adequate. Focus groups in a qualitative study allow the researcher to interview several participants simultaneously. Numbers of those within the group are typically no more than 12 to allow for a more in-depth discussion. Focus groups are beneficial with limited time, and may allow for richer data collection as conversations ensue amongst participants (Leedy & Ormrod, 2013). Thus, the use of the talking circle is appropriate in this study. The small numbers and shared epistemology of the ATC’s would allow for comfortable dialogue. The quantitative data consisted of two surveys, one for the administrators, with a separate survey for the ATC’s.
Participant surveys measure individual 's’ attitudes and perspectives towards a topic. surveys are often used in descriptive quantitative research, as the basic elements of the design are simple (Leedy & Ormrod, 2013). In this study, the administrator survey consisted of short answer and open-ended questions, while the ATC survey consisted of a Likert scale.
The authors state reliability and validity testing were not completed on the survey questions (Gordon et al., 2014, p.14), and include this as a
It is important to build a credible relationship with the Aboriginal population involved in the study that will help to fetch the valuable study results, thus, the supportive and well negotiated study will be favourable for both the researchers as well as participants (Holst, 2004). As this is a qualitative study involving interviews which might require the recording of the interview sessions, therefore, the clearance need to be obtained from the participants for the recordings and the access of the rights and responsibilities in ownership need to be discussed and negotiated with the participant, in case, they want to withdraw themselves from the study at any particular time (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies,
As you stated the authors mention that caution should be utilized when the results are interpreted. The research methods of questionnaires and self-reporting,
Facilitating focus groups, interviews, allowed us to strengthen our qualitative research skills. As an outsider, the qualitative process was the most enjoyable to me. I was able to learn their way of living, strengths and challenges of their community. The process of creating the pretest and posttest surveys collectively was a challenge, yet another beneficially learning experience. I realized effective surveys take time to develop and need to be reviewed by multiple people. Developing poorly constructed questionaries’ is highly possible if no one takes the time to actually
There is no specific section discussing reliability and validity in this study. Although there was no specific section or heading, throughout this study, the authors did consult with the advisory committee at multiple points and the authors do lists that as a limitation that this study is not generalizable. Main findings were also discussed and verified with the community advisory committee for accuracy of
Flexible and inexpensive, focus groups consist of six to ten participants (Hartman, 2004, p. 408). Additionally, a moderator guides the discussion among its panel members that allows researchers to observe real-time verbal responses and nonverbal cues (Hartman, 2004, p. 402; Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p. 160). Focus groups moderators also have the ability to introduce new ideas to gain a greater understanding of concerns from respondents (Hartman, 2004, p. 402). However, a concern with focus group is the lack of anonymity due to the face-to-face participation.
This article represents a focus group type of qualitative research. According to Qualitative Research Consultants Association (2015), in focus group qualitative research, a group of individuals who share a need, life circumstance, or habit relevant to the research issue(s) at hand are led in a discussion by a modulator. The focus group discussions often include between two to ten respondents, and are often held face to face. They can also be conducted remotely through videoconferencing, teleconferencing, or
Complete the following information. Be specific in your responses. You must present a rationale for ALL items. No yes or no responses are accepted. It is unacceptable for you to copy and paste information from the study. This is to be your own interpretation of the study critiqued and synthesis of research content.
In order to gather a lot of data, a focus group is recommended. According to Howitt D. (2013), an optimal focus group consists of six to ten participants (Howitt, 2013; Morgan, 1997). The fact that an experienced interviewer conducted the interview led to good control and desired data(Morgan, 1996). Furthermore, a thematic analysis provided a systematic overview of the results.
Sharing circle and focus group discussions are similar in that they are commonly used in qualitative research to explore and construct knowledge about a phenomenon with research participants in small groups (Redman-MacLaren, Mills, and Tommbe 2014). Also, both methods can be used to explore experiences surrounding a particular topic within a group of various cultures (Tobias and Richmond 2016). The choice between focus group and sharing circles largely depends on the epistemological position of the researcher, the context, and the study population (Redman-MacLaren, Mills, and Tommbe 2014).
Jemma, the researcher and focus group moderator, has structured the discussion in the following way: to start with, Jemma provides a frame of reference for the focus group referring to the aim of her research, and summarizes the pre-formulated research questions that serve as openings to obtain such feedback (Nel, Romm, & Tlale, 2015). Focus groups are seen as providing a unique data source, and tend to emphasise their value in exploring participants’ knowledge and experiences and in helping to understand not only what people think, but also why they think the way they do (Greenwood, Ellmers, & Holley, 2014).
The order of these question differed slightly depending on how the interview went. Because of the semi-structured nature of the interviews the informants had the opportunity to express their views in their own terms. In addition to one-to-one interviews, two focus group interviews were conducted. According to Frey and Fontana (1991) focus group interviews include multiple people who have gathered at a centralised location to respond to questions posed by the moderator. In addition, Frey and Fontana (1991) argue that it is a qualitative research technique that is particularly useful when trying to obtain phenomenological data and should be utilised along with other techniques of interviewing and observation. The two focus group interviews conducted
Survey designed for use in a larger related investigation containing a face valid scale of 86 items.
A Focus group is defined as a research technique that collects data through a group interaction, on a given topic from the researcher. Along with this definition are some essential components. Firstly, it states that, focus groups are research methods devoted to data collection. Secondly, it signifies the interaction of group discussion as a source of data. Lastly, it acknowledges the active role of researchers in establishing the group discussion in order to collect data (David, 1996.p.130).
The strength of questionnaires is it can give an insight into respondent’s thoughts and opinions and also cost efficient as it is inexpensive.
Focus groups are a prominent method of enquiry, regularly used within the field of social science and in particular, qualitative research. The focus group practice involves a number of participants having an open discussion on a specific topic, set by a researcher. The researcher acts as a moderator to aid discussion by using probes to collect desirable data. This process is recorded and transcripts are used to interpret and analyse given information.