ABSTRACT
Some researchers make use of focus group interviews, an interviewing method that has its origins in market research. These too can vary in terms of how far they are guided by the issues which the researcher seeks to explore. When there is a semi-structured approach it is usual for a facilitator to identify some key topics for participants to consider. Participants will often be divided into several, quite small groups. They may be asked to jot down their individual thoughts on each topic before sharing their thoughts within their group. The next stage would be for the groups to summarise their views before sharing with the other groups present. Focus groups can be used in a less structured way too. In these cases they are often a precursor to quantitative data-gathering processes. As Pole and Lampard (2002) have noted they can provide a degree of synthesis between quantitative and qualitative approaches.
