"Robert M. Nelson, MD, PhD" wrote:
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.
Dear Dr. Nelson --
Videotape! Do it even if you are primarily interested in the
transcript. You might make sure you videotape from at least two
angles, so you can see all the little darlings, as well as
audio-taping. Then if you need to figure out just who was it that said
the
bon-mot, you can use the videotape to clarify. Also, if you are using
software that allows you to enter video (like Atlas) you
can code that as well -- much of what they communicate is likely to be
non-verbal. Don't forget to set the camera clocks so
they are synchronized. Timecode is even better if you can get it.
For audio-taping, the optimum is one mike per child & a multi-track
recording. If there are not the funds for that, maybe get
several mikes out at different angles (to one or multiple
tape-recorders) with careful records kept ; last choice is one
overhead mike (but this last choice will guarantee missing what some
quiet child says.)
I have found it really important to put an audio slate at the
*beginning* of each tape, identifying:
Date
Time
Location
Group
Position of mike ("On Joey Bacciagalupi" or "At NE corner of table")
Tape number (Tape 5 of 7, or whatever)
This slating, which can be done before the children arrive, may save
your sanity six months later as you transcribe. Don't let being late or
anything else prevent you from putting it on the tape before other
material.
Sorry to go on and on; I have spent 30 years doing technical work for a
Public TV station.
Birrell Walsh
MicroTimes
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