by one or two individuals. It is recommended that the researcher not be the
facilitator of the group but rather an observer who can listen, take notes, and
ask specific follow-up questions.
Focus group participants must represent the intended population identified
by the researcher. An adequate number of participants should be represented
because participants are not randomly selected. They should be notified in
advance regarding the date, time, and location of the focus group. Focus group
sessions are usually audiotaped and involve a note taker. Approximately 60 to
90 minutes are given to ask no more than 10 structured questions. Following the
session, the data are transcribed and analyzed to look for trends and patterns.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to using focus groups. This
data collection method is an economical way to bring participants together to
gather information. Often participants selected for focus groups are pleased to
offer their answers, opinions, and insights about the objectives identified for
the group. However, participants must feel secure about the topic. For example,
a researcher investigating the attitudes of nurses about employment practices
may be wise to put nursing managers in separate focus groups from staff nurses.
Like other qualitative methods, the transcription and analysis may be costly
and time consuming (Curtis & Redmon, 2007).Case Studies
Case studies are often used to gain an understanding of the circumstances
around a rare or sentinel health event. A group of individuals involved in the
situation is brought together to analyze and draw conclusions about the event.
Researchers use this method to examine participants’ behaviors and decision
making. Although this method may be used less in research, it is an important
method in quality improvement programs in almost every healthcare setting.
For example, healthcare providers may convene when a major error is made
such as amputating the wrong limb. Circumstances of the situation are exam-
ined and strategies to ensure that this type of error is avoided are identified.Observation
Observations are another type of qualitative data collection method and must
be consistent with the aims of the study (Casey, 2006). Researchers capture in-
formation in the natural and often unstructured setting either by being present
or by recording on videotape to view at a later time. Unstructured observations
use an inductive approach. Phenomena of interest are allowed to emerge over
time as observations are being made. Researchers may be both observers and
participants. Participants are aware of the researchers’ roles and the research
taking place, but researchers are also participants to gain insiders’ perspectives
about the phenomena (Casey, 2006).KEY TERM
unstructured
observations:
A method of
data collection
associated with
qualitative
research in which
phenomena of
interest are allowed
to emerge over time
as observations are
made274 CHAPTER 10 Collecting Evidence