The Focus Groups Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Focus Groups - Research Paper Example In the groups, questions are asked in an interactive way and the members are allowed to socialize among themselves in a free manner (Stewart et al 2006, p.55) There are a many of reasons that make focus groups different from one-to-one interviews. One of the differences is that focus groups give a room for a person to gain information from the society’s cross section. It also enables a person to obtain multiple views at once. On the other hand, in one on one interview the research is targeted on only one person and, therefore, the cross section of the society is not fully represented. The one on one interview only allows only single point of view at a particular time as opposed to focusing groups. One on one interview allows the interviewer to obtain deep information from a person. It can be very essential when a particular person has much knowledge about a particular aspect. However, the focus group limits the availability of deep information from the study participants (Rubin & Rubin 2005, p.67). Group interviews have numerous advantages over one on one interview. One of the benefits is that the focus groups give room for interaction among the group members. It gives an advantage of generation of new thinking concerning the topic in consideration. The focus groups are dynamic in nature. Due to this fact the moderator can be able to modify the topics. There is also the ability to utilize the nonverbal behaviors of the participants. However, there are issues that one needs to be aware of the focus groups. There are cases when they can be influenced by the dominant people. Secondly they cannot be effective when sensitive issues are concerned. The findings of the groups are not projectable. It means that this cannot be compared to the results achieved by other methods of research. The environment that is created by the groups is artificial and there are chances that