Abstract
This chapter introduces the collection, setting it in context with respect to the disciplinary adoptions of focus groups and the various debates that have accompanied the growing popularity of the method. It outlines the scope of chapters, with authors drawn from parallel fields of scholarship, and showcases their contributions, highlighting both innovations and issues/challenges that are raised. It provides a rationale for the organization of the book, which moves from discussing the use of focus groups in new settings (either new disciplinary fields or topics); to considerations regarding the use of focus groups in mixed methods designs; to explore innovations in focus group facilitation; and, finally, theoretical developments. Suggestions are provided with regard to which sections of the collection are likely to be of use for the novice researcher, those new to focus groups, and those with more experience. The collection challenges the distinction between applied and more theoretical applications of focus groups, arguing that innovation and theory can be useful in a more applied context; and, also, that attention to research design and procedural issues can enhance theoretical work. It aspires, thus, to encourage researchers to question and surmount disciplinary and terminological labels and disputes.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Barbour, R.S. (1999) ‘The case for combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in health services research’. Journal of Health Services Research and Policy, 4(1): 39–43.
Barbour, R. (2007) Doing Focus Groups. London: Sage.
Barbour, R. (2007; 2017 2nd ed. in press) Doing Focus Groups. London: Sage.
Barbour, R. (2014a) Introducing Qualitative Research; A Student’s Guide (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
Barbour, R.S. (2014b) ‘Analyzing focus groups’, In U. Flick (ed.), The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Data Analysis. London: Sage, pp. 313–26.
Bloor, M., Frankland, J., Thomas, M., and Robson, K. (2001) Focus Groups in Social Research. London: Sage.
Frank, A.W. (2010) Letting Stories Breathe: A Socio-Narratology. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
Morgan, D.L. (1993) ‘Future directions in focus group research’, In D.L. Morgan (ed.), Successful Focus Groups: Advancing the State of the Art. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, pp. 225–44.
Morgan, D.L., and Bottoroff, J.L. (2010) ‘Advancing our craft: Focus group methods and practice’. Qualitative Health Research, 20(5): 579–81.
Vliegenthart, R., and van Zooten, L. (2011) ‘Power to the frame: Bringng sociology back to frame analysis’. European Journal of Communication, 26(2): 101–15.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2017 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Barbour, R.S. (2017). Setting the Scene for a New Era of Focus Group Research. In: Barbour, R., Morgan, D. (eds) A New Era in Focus Group Research. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-58614-8_1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-58614-8_1
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-137-58613-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-58614-8
eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)