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Using focus group methods with middle school children
Author(s) -
Horner Sharon D.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
research in nursing and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1098-240X
pISSN - 0160-6891
DOI - 10.1002/1098-240x(200012)23:6<510::aid-nur9>3.0.co;2-l
Subject(s) - focus group , context (archaeology) , psychology , perception , session (web analytics) , focus (optics) , peer group , developmental psychology , social psychology , sociology , paleontology , physics , neuroscience , world wide web , anthropology , computer science , optics , biology
Focus group methods are an effective way to clarify middle school children's perceptions of health and illness. Children between 11 and 14 years of age, who are undergoing the developmental transition from child to adolescent, tend to be reticent when talking with adult strangers. However, they are more relaxed and willing to share perceptions when discussions are held with a group of peers. Conducting focus groups involves developing an interview guide, arranging the meeting place, supporting group building, and encouraging participation by the group members while discouraging domination by influential members. Data analysis begins during the focus group session as issues emerge in the context of group discussions. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 23:510–517, 2000.