ABSTRACT
The use of interview data to explore complex issues raises the issue of reality. For instance, when participants describe how they were treated in some situation, the interview primarily exposes how participants perceive these matters. To many quantitative empiricists, perception is important but may not be as important as reality. To most qualitative researchers, however, objective factual reality1 is not as interesting or informative as participants’ perceptions. Examining perceptions is known as a phenomenological approach to acquiring knowledge. Almost all qualitative researchers are in some sense phenomenologists.2,3
In addition to one-on-one, semistructured interviews, qualitative researchers sometimes use focus groups. A focus group usually consists of 6 to 12 participants who are gathered to discuss a topic. The group is led by a facilitator,4 as opposed to an interviewer. The facilitator describes the topic to be discussed and tries to create a nonthreatening environment in which all group members feel free to express their opinions, attitudes, and experienceseven if they differ from those of other participants. The facilitator should have a predetermined set of questions (also known as a questioning route) to ensure that all relevant aspects of the topic are discussed. In addition, the facilitator should probe for additional information when necessary.
