Focus Group Data Saturation: A New Approach to Data Analysis

Authors

Mary E. Hancock PhD, RNC-OB, Shepherd UniversityFollow
Linda Amankwaa PhD, RN, FAAN, Albany State University; University of Phoenix
Maria A. Revell PhD, MSN, RN COI, Tennessee State University
Dale Mueller EdD, MSN, NEA-BC, California State University

Abstract

The qualitative research “gold standard” for quality research is data saturation. The limited literature on reporting data saturation and transparency in qualitative research has supported an inconsistent research standard suggesting researchers have not adequately reported data saturation to promote transparency (O’Reilly & Parker, 2012). Confusion regarding how to analyze qualitative data to achieve data saturation, how to write clear qualitative research findings, and present these findings in a usable manner continues (Sandelowski & Leeman, 2012). A phenomenological asynchronous online focus group using WordPress® was employed to answer the research question. Based on the current literature on the topic of focus group data saturation, the study findings were analyzed by group, individual, and day of the study. Additionally, the data was presented in a chart format providing a visible approach to data analysis and saturation. Employing three different methods of data analysis to confirm saturation and transparency provides qualitative researchers with different approaches to data analysis for saturation and enhancement of trustworthiness. Placing data in a visual configuration provides an alternative method of presenting research findings. The data analysis methods presented are not meant to replace existing methods of achieving data saturation but to provide an alternate approach to achieving data saturation and reporting the findings in a clear, usable format.

Keywords

Qualitative Research, Focus Group, Data Saturation, Trustworthiness

Author Bio(s)

Mary E. Hancock, PhD, RNC-OB is a 2015 doctoral graduate from the University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Shepherd University and a member of AAMN and AWHONN. Her passion is obstetrical nursing and the inclusion of men in the nursing profession. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to mhancock@shepherd.edu.

Linda Amankwaa, PhD, RN, FAAN Associate Professor, Nursing Albany State University, Georgia Associate Faculty, Doctoral Chair School of Advanced Studies University of Phoenix.

Dr. Maria A. Revell is an Associate Professor and Master of Science in Nursing Program Director at Tennessee State University. She received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Tuskegee Institute, a master’s from the University of AL, Huntsville, a doctorate from the University of AL, Birmingham and is certified in online instruction. She has more than 40 years of experience in nursing with 23 years at the bedside in critical care. Her professional experiences include work with families and individuals in the U.S., China, Cuba, the Czech Republic and South Africa. Research endeavors have included teaching methodology and the promotion of wellness and environmental safety. Dr. Revell has more than 40 publications in areas of nursing including textbook author and international refereed journals. She has received local and national grants to promote technology and diversity in the nursing workforce. Her professional career includes awards for teaching, grants and publications.

Dale Mueller is a Registered Nurse and public advocate for access to health services, including mental health treatment, in a culturally meaningful context. She is affiliated with the Mental Health Planning Council (California, USA) as well as an Associate Professor at California State University, College of Health, Human Services and Nursing. She has served in executive capacities in many community-based organizations for over 30 years. She has written and taught many online courses for health care professionals. Dale continues to hold public service positions in health policy for the advancement of culturally relevant delivery of health care.

Acknowledgements

Mary would like to thank her dissertation chair, Dr. Linda Amankwaa and her committee members, Dr. Maria Revell and Dr. Dale Mueller for their support and guidance in developing her first post-doctoral dissertation study article. She would also like to thank her colleagues at Shepherd University for their support as she completed her dissertation.

Publication Date

11-28-2016

Creative Commons License

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

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2330

Recommended APA Citation

Hancock, M. E., Amankwaa, L., Revell, M. A., & Mueller, D. (2016). Focus Group Data Saturation: A New Approach to Data Analysis. The Qualitative Report, 21(11), 2124-2130. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2330