Paralelo qualitativo entre grupos focais presenciais e virtuais: Limitações e potencialidades vistas a partir do Iramuteq

Abstract

Introduction Focus Groups are essential tools in qualitative research, due to its capacity to acknowledge different points of view and analyze them in one cohesive methodological process. It can occur either in-person or online, with strengths in both methods. This project focus on the comparison between two modalities of focus group research, noting relevant differences between the two. Goals: To analyze each method’s strengths and weaknesses through the author’s empiric experiences with both modalities of focus groups and the data processed in Iramuteq. Methods: In-person and online Focus Groups, the latter accomplished through Google Meet, with posterior analysis and comparison of collected data in the eight accomplished Focus Groups through Iramuteq’s tools: Word Cloud Similitude analysis and lexicographic text analysis. Results The lexicographic text analysis, alongside both Word Cloud and Similitude Analysis, showed a positive change in participant engagement and discussion length, except for one of the feminine focus groups. Both word frequency and word correlation grew in the second year of the other three focus groups, when comparing with the first year. Focus group recording became easier through online discussions due to the file being already in a format ready to use and being a video file, showing each person in the discussion at the same time. Discussion: From the data gathered, it can be implied that the focus groups became more comfortable with the online method of discussion, when compared to the in-person version applied in the year before.
Conclusions. Online focus groups are more practical to researches and participants alike, however, it is necessary to focus on the engagement of the group in a determined method before choosing the more practical way to apply it.