질적연구로서의 포커스그룹 연구방법(Focus group method)에 대한 고찰

Review of Literatures on Focus Group Method in Qualitative Study

The purpose of this study was to review the literature in regards to the historical background, characteristics, purpose, application of focus group study method. Key features are: 1. Provides theoretical background and practical guidelines. 2. Enables student and other researchers to plan and execute their own qualitative research studiers. 3. Include comprehensive references. 4. Gives examples of qualitative studies carried out by using this method. In general the advantages and limitation in this approach are those of all qualitative interviews but there are number of strengths and weaknesses specific for focus group method. The main strength is the productions of data through social interaction. The dynamic interaction stimulates the thoughts of participants and reminds them in their own feelings about the research topic. Secondly, on responding to each other's comments, informants might generate new and spontaneous idea which researchers had not thought of before re during. Thirdly all the participatent, including the interviewers have opportunities to ask questions for clarification. There are some disadvantages. Quality of researches and group moderators affect the research process and result considerately. Also recruiting participants for the focus group is time consuming and needs considerable cost. Since developing and understanding of human experiences which focus on caring, communication and interaction in essential for health professional through using research approaches to examine the experience of patient and health care professionals and to evaluate health care, researches are enable to adopt a person-centered holistic perspectives. Thus, this study provides the broad perspective as well as specific details of focus group method, thus contributes in providing to adopt the focus group method in nursing researches.