To what extent are focus groups the most effective research method?
Possible arguments for:
· discover how different groups think and feel about a topic and why they hold certain opinions
· they are useful to obtain detailed in-depth information about personal and group feelings, perceptions and opinions
· they can save time and money compared to individual interviews
· they can provide a broader range of information
· they offer the opportunity to seek clarification
· allows respondents to discuss issues freely providing rich qualitative data that is high in validity
· allows researchers to find out not just what respondents say but also how they respond to the views of others
· focus groups are closer to real life than individual interviewsenabling researchers to achieve verstehen
· Any other reasonable response.
Possible arguments against:
· there can be disagreements and irrelevant discussion which distract from the main focus
· they can be hard to control and manage
· with many respondents speaking at once it can be difficult to both record and analyse data
· it can be difficult to encourage a range of people to participate
· some participants may find a focus group situation intimidating or off- putting;
· participants may feel under pressure to agree with the dominant view
· they are often self-selected samples so they may not be representative
· individual qualitative interviews are easier to manage and record data from
· covert observation avoids the Hawthorn effect
· participant observation has the advantage of seeing respondents in their natural environment
· Any other reasonable response.
Band 0 [0 marks]
No creditworthy response.
Band 1 [1–4 marks]
Answers in this band may be vague and largely based on common sense showing limited knowledge of the debate. Use of sociological terms or concepts is very unlikely. Responses may be short, undeveloped and one- sided. Lower in the band (1–2 marks), expect one or two weak points. Higher in the band (3–4 marks) candidates may offer more than two points and provide a weak definition of key terms in the question.
Band 2 [5–8 marks]
In this band candidates will show some basic knowledge of the debate. Alternatively, they may offer an answer which is list-like in nature but there will be no real attempt to assess the issues raised by the question. There may be limited/some use of sociological terms or concepts. Responses may be underdeveloped and lack range. Answers may be simplistic and two- sided or only cover one side of the debate. Lower in the band, the response may be rather narrow in the points covered and there may be some development. Higher in the band, more points are likely to be covered with some development.
Alternatively, a list-like answer with some development covering both sides of the argument may score up to 8 marks.
A one-sided answer cannot score higher than 8 marks.
Band 3 [9–12 marks]
Answers in this band will show good sociological knowledge and understanding of the debate. Sociological terms and concepts will be used with greater accuracy and/or frequency. For the most part, answers will be well- developed, focused on the questions and there will be a range of points presented. There will be a two-sided response but it may lack range on one side. At the bottom of the band, candidates may provide a narrower range of developed points. At the top of the band, expect a wider range of developed points and clear focus on the question.
Band 4 [13–15 marks]
Answers in this band will show excellent knowledge and understanding of the debate. There will be a strong grasp of the arguments as well as accurate and frequent use of sociological terms and concepts. Answers will be well-developed, clearly focused on the question and discuss a wide range of points. Responses will be two-sided and have a range of points on each side. At the bottom of the band (13 marks), the answer may lack a specific conclusion. Higher in the band, there will be a clear attempt to offer an assessment of the ‘To what extent.?’ part of the question through a focused conclusion.