Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/71399
Type: Journal article
Title: Analysing group interaction in focus group research: Impact on content and the role of the moderator
Author: Gronkjaer, M.
Curtis, T.
de Crespigny, C.
Delmar, C.
Citation: Qualitative Studies, 2011; 2(1):16-30
Publisher: Aalborg Universitet
Issue Date: 2011
ISSN: 1903-7031
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Mette Grønkjær, Tine Curtis, Charlotte de Crespigny, Charlotte Delmar
Abstract: Interaction between group participants is considered the distinct advantage and hallmark of focus group research. It is therefore necessary to include the social interaction dynamics in analysing focus group data. Little information is however available on analysis of the social interaction in the group and the analytical outcome for the content of the data. This paper contributes to the discussion of the value of participant interaction in focus group research by analysing sequences of interaction collected recently during a research project. This project utilized focus groups to investigate the perceptions and meanings of alcohol use in Denmark. As a frame for analysing group interaction, elements of conversation analysis were used. The aim of this paper is to illustrate group interaction and its impact on the content of focus group data, and highlight the role and some of the challenges posed by group interaction for moderating the focus group discussion. The interaction analyses led to the construction of four interactional events: Negotiating and constructing normality in interaction, disagreement and/or consensus, homogeneity and the impact on interaction and content, and coming to and making sense of a dead-end (including the risk of hierarchical issues). The interactional events are followed by considerations on the impact they may have on the role of the moderator.
Keywords: focus group
group interaction
moderator role
conversation analysis
Rights: Copyright status unknown
Published version: http://ojs.statsbiblioteket.dk/index.php/qual/article/view/4273
Appears in Collections:Aurora harvest 5
Nursing publications

Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.


Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.