The Focus Group Interview: Rising to the Challenge in Qualitative Research Methodology

Autor/in	Ho, Debbie
Titel	The Focus Group Interview: Rising to the Challenge in Qualitative Research Methodology
Quelle	In: Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, 29 (2006) 1, S.5 (19 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0155-0640
DOI	10.2104/aral0605
Schlagwörter	Qualitative Research; Research Methodology; Focus Groups; Social Sciences; Interviews; English (Second Language); Second Language Learning; Second Language Instruction; Reliability; Validity; Criticism + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Qualitative Forschung; Research method; Forschungsmethode; Social science; Sozialwissenschaften; Gesellschaftswissenschaften; Interviewing; Interviewtechnik; English as second language; English; Second Language; Englisch als Zweitsprache; Zweitsprachenerwerb; Fremdsprachenunterricht; Reliabilität; Gültigkeit; Kritik
Abstract	This paper explores the possibility of expanding the focus group interview into the field of English as a Second Language (ESL), where this research methodology is yet to be thoroughly explored. Specifically, it aims to challenge popular criticisms about the reliability and validity of the focus group as a qualitative research methodology. It does this by first setting up a list of five main criticisms of the focus group interview drawn from current literature on research methodology within the social sciences and education. Based on transcripts of interactional data gathered from focus group interviews carried out among ESL students in a formal ESL context, it then provides a direct and detailed response to each criticism. The arguments put forward demonstrate that the focus group interview, as a method of data collection, may be particularly relevant in gathering the viewpoints and opinions of participants who have traditionally not been well represented through the more conventional and common methods currently employed in ESL research studies. Furthermore, the paper raises conscious awareness about the potential of the focus group as a viable and verifiable tool in qualitative research methodology. (Contains 2 tables and 2 endnotes.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10