From Inquiry to Academic Writing A Practical Guide, 3rd edition

uSInG fOCuS GROuPS 339

passages in the scholarly research you will be using and ask for the group’s

responses to these “expert” theories. Not only will this be interesting; it also

will help you organize and integrate your focus group evidence with evidence

from library sources in your essay. Ask a wider range of questions than you

think you might need so that you can explore side issues if they arise.

FIGURE 11.4 Alternative Sample Consent Form for a Focus Group

Alternative Focus Group Consent Form

Should colleges and universities take race and ethnicity into consideration when

selecting new freshmen from the applicant pool? What is the purpose of giving

preference to minority status in admissions? What does a diverse campus offer

its students? These are some of the issues I want to discuss in today’s focus group.

But before we start, let me tell you about the assignment and your involvement.

The focus group is an interview style designed for small groups of five

to seven participants. Focus group interviews are guided discussions that

address a particular topic of interest or relevance to the group and the

researcher. The informality of the focus group structure is intended to

encourage participants to speak freely about their behaviors, attitudes, and

opinions. For the purposes of my research, focus groups are a way to include

multiple perspectives in my paper.

This session will be recorded so that I can prove my research. No names

will be used in any drafts or in my final paper; instead, I will use letters

(A, B, C) to identify different speakers. Two focus groups — one for minority

students at Notre Dame and another for nonminority students — are being

held so that I can obtain opinions and viewpoints from both sides of the issue

and discuss their similarities and differences in my report. Some things to

keep in mind during the session:

•    Because I need to transcribe the dialogue, try not to talk over another

person.

•    Feel free to agree or disagree with a question, statement, or another

person’s answer.

•    Focus on the discussion, not the question.

•    Avoid going off on tangents.

•    Be open and honest in all your responses.

Thank you for taking the time to be involved in my research. By signing

below you give me permission to use the comments you provide for my paper.

You understand that in no way will your identity be revealed, except by your

minority or nonminority status. If you would like a copy of the results of the

focus groups, please include your e-mail address, and the documents will be

sent to you.

Name _________________________________________________________________

E-mail address _________________________________________________________

Ethnicity _________________________ Male / Female Class of ________

(circle one)

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