Informing library research with focus groups. The potential of seven alternative strategies to enhance participant interaction
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-02-2014-0023 |
| Published date | 10 November 2014 |
| Date | 10 November 2014 |
| Pages | 558-564 |
| Author | Graham R. Walden |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries |
Informing library research
with focus groups
The potential of seven alternative strategies
to enhance participant interaction
Graham R. Walden
University Libraries, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate alter native strategies to enhance participant
interaction in library focus groups.
Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive alternatives strategies are suggested as techniques
to enhance participant interaction in library focus groups.
Findings – There are no findings as such, rather this is a paper which suggests different approaches
than have hitherto be tried in library focus groups.
Originality/value – There has not been a similar article or set of proposed alter native strategies on
this subject in so far as library focus groups are concerned.
Keywords Storytelling, Role playing, Drawings, Focus groups,
Repeat receipts and poetic transcription, Vignettes
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The conduct of focus groups has proliferated during the past several decades, with this
qualitative data-gathering paradigm now firmly established in social science and medical
research (two annotated bibliographies have been published by Walden (2008, 2009);
Walden also edited Focus Group Research,Sage, 2012, a four-volume set containing the
best 80 articles in the literature). Focus groups are typically comprised of a purposive or
convenience sample of six to twelve participants, led by a moderator, to collectively
explore a topic deemed relevant to the research question. One feature that distinguishes
this approach from other types of group interviews is the interaction that takes place
between and among participants. The seven techniques described in this paper add
variety whenincorporated into the traditional focusgroup format and, most importantly,
enhance the interactive component that is vital to this methodology. Other discussion-
enhancement techniques not addressed in this paper include listing exercises (perhaps
using flip charts, chalk, or whiteboards; rating scales and ranking activities; games;
picture and photograph sorting; visual aids such as newspaper clippings, cartoons, and
videos; conceptual and perceptual mapping exercises; collage assembly; and imagery,
fantasy, and daydream activities. Librarians might consider utilizing one or more of these
techniques in order to generate greater interaction among focus group participants.
Vignettes
Clearly dominatingthe literature discussed in this presentationis the vignette technique.
Also referred to as skits, scenarios, playacting, or hypothetical cases, vignettes have
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
Received 12 February 2014
Accepted 17 February 2014
Library Management
Vol. 35 No. 8/9, 2014
pp. 558-564
rEmeraldGroup PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-02-2014-0023
An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 2013 QQML Conference in Rome, Italy,4-7
June, www.isast.org/qqml2013.html
558
LM
35,8/9
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