MANAGING RECRUITMENT AND DATA COLLECTION: ONLINE FOCUS GROUPS BEST PRACTICES AND STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS SCAMMERS

Abstract

Common methods to collect data include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches. Although it is common to complete data collection in-person, the onset of COVID-19 has resulted in the increased use of online modalities.  Qualitative research is commonly gathered through individual or focus group interviews.  However, best practices outlining strategies when conducting online focus groups and approaches to address issues specific to online research (i.e., scammers) are limited.  Due to the growing use of data collection through such means, it is imperative to draw out specific strategies that could regulate data quality and reduce the chances of scamming.  The current article addresses this practical gap by providing a synthesis of the available literature on online focus groups that document best practices and suggestions to deal with scammers which is currently missing from the literature.  The goal was to provide initial suggestions to improve data quality of online focus groups by examining the available literature that outlines best practices, addresses the issues of scammers, and to provide a concise and comprehensive overview of identified literature   The article is organized beginning with a review of the literature.  The research is then synthesized including an outline of best practices and strategies to address scammers when engaging in online focus groups.  The article closes with a discussion of the significance of the review, limitations, and article summary.  Scammers are prevalent in online spaces.  Although this article provides a preliminary outline of suggestions from the literature, more research is necessary that provides specific examples of how challenges have been addressed and the impact of including the recommended strategies on the research process and outcomes.