Sim J
Department of Physiotherapy Studies, Keele University, Staffordshire, England.
J Adv Nurs. 1998 Aug;28(2):345-52. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2648.1998.00692.x.
The focus group has gained considerable popularity as a means of gathering qualitative data in nursing research. This paper examines some of the methodological issues raised by the collection and analysis of focus group data. In respect of data collection, the role of the focus group moderator and the method of recording data are crucial considerations. In particular, the moderator's personal skills and attributes have a considerable influence on the nature and quality of the data gathered. When analysing the data, three principal issues arise. First, it is difficult, and probably misguided, to attempt to infer an attitudinal consensus from focus group data. An apparent conformity of view is an emergent property of the group interaction, not a reflection of individual participants' opinions. Second, measuring strength of opinion from focus group data is problematic. The indicators used to measure attitudes in orthodox survey research are largely inapplicable to the context of focus groups. When comparing data from different focus groups, inferences may be drawn as to the presence of absence of certain views or issues across groups, but not in terms of their relative strength. Third, both methodological and epistemological objections can be raised against attempts to generalize from focus group data. Theoretical generalization is likely to be more feasible than empirical generalization, and if the latter is considered fruitful, it is likely to be of a provisional nature. The effective use of focus groups as a means of gathering qualitative data in nursing research requires due attention to problematic methodological issues such as those explored in this paper.
焦点小组作为在护理研究中收集定性数据的一种方法已经颇受欢迎。本文探讨了焦点小组数据收集与分析所引发的一些方法学问题。在数据收集方面，焦点小组主持人的角色以及数据记录方法是关键考量因素。尤其是，主持人的个人技能和特质对所收集数据的性质和质量有相当大的影响。在分析数据时，会出现三个主要问题。首先，试图从焦点小组数据中推断出态度上的共识既困难又可能会产生误导。表面上观点的一致是群体互动产生的特性，而非个体参与者意见的反映。其次，从焦点小组数据中衡量意见的强度存在问题。在正统调查研究中用于衡量态度的指标在很大程度上不适用于焦点小组的情况。在比较不同焦点小组的数据时，可以推断出不同小组中某些观点或问题的有无，但无法推断其相对强度。第三，对于试图从焦点小组数据进行概括的做法，在方法学和认识论上都可能会有人提出反对意见。理论概括可能比实证概括更可行，如果认为实证概括有成效，那也可能只是暂时的。要有效地将焦点小组用作护理研究中收集定性数据的一种方法，就需要适当关注本文所探讨的此类有问题的方法学问题。
