The use of focal groups as a qualitative investigation technique: methodological challenges

Abstract

This article proposes to define, contextualize and methodologically characterize the use of focal groups as a qualitative investigation technique committed to a comprehensive meta- scientific approach. The factors that affect focal groups discussion will be considered in the present work, as well as the outcomes of this investigation, the greatest methodological challenges of this technique. The present essay is divided into three sections: the first one covers wider methodological aspects and places the focal groups under the idiographic and hermeneutic approaches. The second section focuses on the definition and characterization of focal groups as a qualitative investigation technique, besides taking into account the methodological challenges of this technique and the factors that affect group discussion. To end it up, some considerations as far as the advantages and limitations of using this research technique are pointed out.