John, I'd agree with Tony about the uses of structure in focus groups -
the method inherently carries some structure, and you've built some more
in. If you're wanting to compare the 8 groups, in NUD*IST4 - identify
each with a node and you can make that comparison systematically,
restricting any search to just text from the blue-collar group, or to
just the women from that group etc. NUD*IST automates a lot of the
(boring!) coding to record structure and ask questions about it (what
did the men from the middleclass groups say to this question...?) Use
command files, or table import, to do coding according to attributes of
speakers, questions asked etc.
But - just a plug for flexibility - not all focus groups are structured,
and the method is often used for trying to get a handle on what people
mean by something like sustainability. I'd add that you need also to
check how you'd use the software for deriving meanings from the data and
checking them through the data. If it's N4, you'd probably work with
results of a the first coding, rethinking the broad categories, and
"coding on" to finer dimensions of a concept as these nuances come out
of the comparisons of responses. Then you'd probably start using the
structure- organising the categories, asking questions about the
patterns of coding etc.- to explore the discoveries, establish the
dominant themes and so on.
Whatever you decide, don't think of doing it without software! With
"only" 8 groups it's tempting to settle for manual methods, but the
computer allows you to automate the structure-access and do far more
with the insight/interpretation process - and combine the two.
(If you do decide to use NUD*IST, please know there are free
self-teaching books on the QSR website - an introductory handbook and
self teaching exercises - as well as the usual online tutorials etc.
Mail [log in to unmask] if you need more info.)
happy focus groups!
Lyn
Prof. Lyn Richards,
Research Professor of Qualitative Methodology,
University of Western Sydney, Macarthur,
Adjunct Professor, International Institute for Qualitative Methodology.
Director, Research Services,
Qualitative Solutions and Research.
(email) [log in to unmask]
(Ph) +61 3 9459 1699 (Fax) +61 3 9459 0435
(snail) Box 171, La Trobe University PO, Vic 3083, Australia.
http://www.qsr.com.au
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dr Tony Gallagher [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 1998 8:46 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Focu Groups and computer packages
>
> John,
>
> There has been a lot of discussion on the list recently regarding
> various packages. In my view NUDIST is particularly appropriate for
> focus groups. While focus groups retain the advantages of flexibility
> that generally derive from qualitative interviewing, normally the
> group
> approach is used when you have a fairly well defined agenda of issues
> or areas you wish the group to discuss. This provides a framework for
>
> the discussion and the transcript: I have found the facilities in
> NUDIST to suit this type of situation very well.
>
> Tony
>
> On Tue, 20 Oct 1998 11:41:31 -0400 (EDT) BLTJBARR
> <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>
> > I am a Ph.D. student investigating public perceptions of
> sustainability
> > and will, very shortly being using focus groups assess this. I
> realise
> > that some form of analysis will follow the initial research and I'm
> > decideing whether, first, to use a qualitative software package and
> > second, which one to use.
> >
> > I have heard a lot about Nudist, but did not want to select this
> > software just because it seems to be talked about the most. I really
>
> > wanted one which is most suitable for focus groups.
> >
> > The comparisons that will take place will be between 8 different
> groups
> > of different socio-economic status.
> >
> > Any suggestions?
> >
> > John Barrett
> > Liverpool John Moores University
> >
> >
>
> ----------------------
> Dr Tony Gallagher
> School of Education
> Queen's University Belfast
> [log in to unmask]
>
> Phone: +44 1232 335958 or 335941
> Fax: +44 1232 239263
> URL: http://www.qub.ac.uk/edu/staff/ag.html
>
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