Face-to-Face in Writing: My First Attempt at Conducting a Text-based Online Focus Group

Authors

Steven R. Terrell, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Abstract

Having completed graduate degrees in educational research and counseling, I have studied the theory of focus groups and participated in many while in a classroom setting. Interestingly, I had never moderated one until my first attempt in a text-based online environment. This paper describes my preparation for the session as well as the issues I faced while actually conducted the focus group. Readers will find that being prepared by establishing rapport with their group prior to the event, understanding the change of dynamics that distance brings to the process and handling the pressures of an expanded role as moderator, will help ensure a successful focus group session.

Keywords

Qualitative Research, Focus Group, Online, Distance Education.

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Steve Terrell is a Professor in the Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences at Nova Southeastern University. He is the Past President of the Online Teaching and Learning SIG of the American Educational Research Association. He can be contacted at GSCIS, Nova Southeastern University, 3100 College Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 33314; Telephone: 954-262-2084; E-mail: terrell@nova.edu

Publication Date

4-16-2009

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2009.2832

Recommended APA Citation

Terrell, S. R. (2009). Face-to-Face in Writing: My First Attempt at Conducting a Text-based Online Focus Group. The Qualitative Report, 14(1), 83-88. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2009.2832

Comments

Original volume and issue number from The Qualitative Weekly, an offshoot publication of The Qualitative Report which has been folded into the primary journal: Volume 2, Issue 14