Research Methods

Interview

I decided to conduct a semi-structured interview as it’s a research method that involves a flexible and open-ended approach to gathering qualitative data. I used a predetermined set of open-ended questions as a guide whilst ensuring flexibility to explore additional topics or delve deeper into responses based on the participant’s answers. Cresswell (2014) emphasises the qualitative aspect of research design, emphasising the richness of data that can be obtained through methods like semi-structured interviews. This approach resonates with Schön’s (1983) notion of reflection in action, as interviewers dynamically adapt their questioning based on the unfolding dialogue.

Interview Schedule:

Focus Group

A focus group is a dynamic and interactive research method designed to explore participants’ attitudes, perceptions, and experiences on a specific topic.

The recruitment method was via existing groups (Curtis and Curtis, 2011) that being students on my course were inviting to take part in the research and interested people were to contact (via email) the researcher. In total 5 were interested and 4 participated in the Focus Group.

I thought it would be crucial to include ‘Focus Group Etiquette’ slide in the introduction of the Focus Group, these points outlined:

1. Respectful Communication: Listen actively to others without interrupting, allow everyone an opportunity to speak.
2. Confidentiality and Privacy: What’s shared in the group stays within the group. Please do not to disclose personal information shared during the session outside the group.
3. Non-Judgmental Atmosphere: This should be an open-minded environment where diverse opinions and experiences are valued and valid (you are an expert on your lived experiences)
4. No Pressure to Share: Sharing personal experiences is voluntary: you can pass on answering any question or discussing any topic you’re not comfortable with.
5. Moderator’s Role: I’ll facilitate the discussion, semi-structured style of open-ended questions (drawing/writing/making), you can approach me with any concerns or questions
   during or after the session.
6. Safe Exit Option: Free to leave the discussion at any time without pressure or explanation.
7. Follow-up Support: If you think you need further support after the session, I can sign-post you to the relevant support services or resources. These conversation can still continue in
   the future.

Focus group presentation slides and questions:

Focus group room set-up:

One of the criticisms of focus groups is the sterile, formal environment in which the sessions often take place (Hanington and Martin, 2019) to address this I chose a room that is familar to the students and had a locked door and blinds on windows to ensure privacy, additonally I brought snacks for the students.

The effectiveness of focus groups lies in the dynamic group interaction they foster. Given that the participants are fellow students within the same course, they have likely collaborated throughout the term, establishing a familiarity and comfort in communication. Inherent in the focus group methodology is the predetermined set of research questions, which are typically administered in a structured ‘top-down’ manner by the moderator (Curtis and Curtis, 2011). To counteract potential limitations associated with this approach, I deliberately structured the questions in a more conversational style, allowing flexibility for the discussion to veer off-topic when necessary. Moreover, I intentionally positioned myself alongside the students at the table, creating a more egalitarian physical setting to minimise hierarchical distinctions between myself and the participants.

The concept of free writing was adapted from the book “Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within” the overall premsis of the exercise writing is to overcome the inhibitions and critical self-judgment that often hinder the creative process. It is a form of stream-of-consciousness writing where thoughts and ideas flow onto the page without concern for grammar, structure, or coherence. (Goldberg, 2016)

Goldberg, N. (2016). Writing down the bones: Freeing the writer within (Thirtieth anniversary edition). Shambala.

Prompts given for Free Writing exercise in Focus Group: