Open AccessFace-to-Face in Writing: My First Attempt at Conducting a Text-based Online Focus Group
Author(s) -
Steven R. Terrell
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2011.1054
Subject(s) - session (web analytics) , focus group , moderation , focus (optics) , psychology , face (sociological concept) , online discussion , face to face , event (particle physics) , medical education , computer science , social psychology , sociology , world wide web , medicine , epistemology , social science , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics , anthropology , optics
Having completed graduate degrees in educational research and counseling, I have studied the theory of focus groups and participated in many while in a classroom setting. Interestingly, I had never moderated one until my first attempt in a text-based online environment. This paper describes my preparation for the session as well as the issues I faced while actually conducted the focus group. Readers will find that being prepared by establishing rapport with their group prior to the event, understanding the change of dynamics that distance brings to the process and handling the pressures of an expanded role as moderator, will help ensure a successful focus group session.