Qualitative applied research in social interventions and public policy programs: The case of focus group interviews

Quantitative research is still dominant in public policy, but qualitative methods are being increasingly used as sources of primary data. In addition to their main practical purpose, qualitative applied policy research studies are used to legitimize public policy programs, social interventions, and initiatives. Compared to quantitative research, qualitative methods provide insight into the contextual and complex situational factors, which may be highly relevant for successful social interventions. Focus group interviews are commonly used in social interventions for data collection. Focus group interviews may contribute to a better articulation of implicit opinions and preferences, and enable triangulation based on multiple perspectives and information (beneficiaries, stakeholders). We argue that focus groups in public policy research and social interventions are based on the same methodological principles as focus groups in basic research, including sampling, facilitation, and ethical issues. Some modifications are necessary due to the main purpose of focus groups (the intervention), situational factors, and logistic fieldwork issues.