I haven't run focus groups but as a Speech Pathologist I have taken speech
and language samples in group situations. Videotape and audiotape. If the
camera is visible allow time for the kids to get used to the camera before
getting down to business. They often want to see how it records etc. I
sometimes had use of a room with a one-way mirror and having an invisible
recorder jotting down contextual notes about who was doing/saying what was
useful when later putting together transcripts. We used an overhead
microphone fairly successfully. If you are providing toys, props etc bear in
mind the sort of background noise they can generate - kids sorting through a
box of Duplo or Lego can sound REALLY loud on tape.
Good luck,
Angela Lawless
[log in to unmask]
>From: "Robert M. Nelson, MD, PhD" <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Focus Groups with Young Children
>Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 08:38:11 -0500
>
>We are about to embark on attempting a focus group in the age range of 4 to
>6 years. From anyone who has tried such a stunt, I would like suggestions
>on
>(a) the use of various props to maintain the chidren's attention (such as
>puppets), and (b) various technical equipment that can assist in capturing
>the "buzzing blooming confusion" (such as individual wireless microphones
>that can be taped simultaneously and/or video recording). We plan to have
>four to six children in the group.
>
>Robert M. ("Skip") Nelson, M.D., Ph.D.
>Associate Professor of Pediatrics & Bioethics
>Medical College of Wisconsin
>
>Address:
>Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
>9000 West Wisconsin Avenue, MS#681
>Milwaukee, WI 53226
>Telephone: 414-266-2728
>FAX: 414-266-3563
>e-mail: <[log in to unmask]>
>
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