Focus Groups – What are They?

From Volume 28, Issue 4, May 2001 | Pages 189-192

Authors

I.G. Chestnutt

BDS, MPH, PhD, FDS (DPH) RCS (Edin.), DDPH RCS (Eng.)

Senior Registrar in Dental Public Health, Lanarkshire Health Board, Hamilton, Scotland

Articles by I.G. Chestnutt

K.F. Robson

BSc, MSc, PhD

Lecturer in Behavioural Sciences, Dental Public Health Unit, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff

Articles by K.F. Robson

Abstract

The use of focus groups has become common in many spheres of research, including dental research. This article provides an update on the history of focus groups, defines focus groups in the context of academic research and highlights their possible uses. Practical advice is provided on the conduct of focus groups and ethical considerations are discussed.

Article