uSInG fOCuS GROuPS 341assumptions and broaden your scope of inquiry beyond secondary materials.
An effective piece of original research still relies on secondary materials, par-
ticularly as you find ways to locate what you discover in the context of what
other authors have observed and argued. Moreover, there is the value of using
multiple sources of information to support your claims — using your obser-
vations and the findings of others to say something about your subject. Also
important, the research methods you choose depend on the question you ask.
A focus on the types of educational opportunities available to the homeless
lends itself more to close observation, interviews, and perhaps focus groups.■ important ethical considerations
Finally, we want to end with an ethical reminder: Be fair to your sources.
Throughout this chapter, we have included a number of forms on which you
can base your own consent forms when you conduct interviews and focus
groups. When people give you their consent to use their words, it is incumbent
on you — really it is essential — that you represent as faithfully as possible what
people have said. As a researcher, you are given a kind of power over the people
you interview and write about, using what they tell you for your own purposes.
You cannot abuse the trust they place in you when they consent to be part
of your research. It is important that they understand why you’re doing the
research and how your theories and assumptions will likely figure into your
interpretation of the information you gather. You must also be aware of how
their words will be construed by those who read what you write.Steps for Conducting a Focus Group■^1 Select participants for the focus group. Identify the range of your
five to seven participants. Are you looking for diverse perspectives
or a more specialized group?■^2 Plan the focus group. Make sure that you have a specified time
and place and that your participants are willing to sign consent
forms.■^3 Prepare your script. Prepare a variety of open-ended questions;
consider quoting research you are interested in using in your
paper to get participants’ responses; and try to rehearse and
revise.■^4 Conduct the focus group. Record the session; ask questions that
draw people out; limit the time of the session; and notice nonver-
bal interactions. And don’t forget the consent forms.■^5 Interpret the data from the focus group. Transcribe and analyze
the data, including nonverbal communications; draw conclusions,
but be careful not to overgeneralize from your small sample.11_GRE_5344_Ch11_313_342.indd 341 11/19/14 11:02 AM