Return to search

Comparison of focus groups to in-depth interviews in terms of factor generation, time requirements, and ease of data collection with Hispanic and Anglo college women

This study compared focus groups and in-depth interviews in terms of number of factors generated, time and cost requirements, and ease of data collection. Participants were 18 to 24 year old Hispanic and Anglo college women. The discussion topic was factors influencing food choices. Eight focus groups were conducted, four Anglo (n = 13) and four Hispanic (n = 12). Thirty-eight Anglo (n = 16) and Hispanic (n = 12) in-depth interviews were completed. A total of 83 unique factors were identified. Focus groups and in-depth interviews yielded 79 and 73 factors, respectively. The mean number of factors for focus groups was 33.8 compared to 37.0 for randomly selected in-depth interviews grouped to form "nominal groups". However, this was not a significant difference. Focus groups required 66.8 hours and cost $292.40 to yield 79 factors while in-depth interviews required 147.0 hours and cost $624.75 for 73. Focus groups were more difficult to arrange but easier to conduct.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/278099
Date January 1992
CreatorsAldag, Laura Jeanne, 1962-
ContributorsTinsley, Ann M.
PublisherThe University of Arizona.
Source SetsUniversity of Arizona
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic)
RightsCopyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Page generated in 0.002 seconds