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Mixed Methodology for Focus Groups

Mixed Methodology for Focus Groups. Presented by: Tad Pfeifer, Research Analyst Katherine R. Friedrich, Director, Institutional Research College of the Mainland Texas Association for Institutional Research Annual Meeting Lubbock, TX March 2-5, 2009. Introductions. Overview.

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Mixed Methodology for Focus Groups

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  1. Mixed Methodology for Focus Groups Presented by: Tad Pfeifer, Research Analyst Katherine R. Friedrich, Director, Institutional Research College of the Mainland Texas Association for Institutional Research Annual Meeting Lubbock, TX March 2-5, 2009

  2. Introductions

  3. Overview • Why student focus groups? • Challenges to conducting focus groups • Proposed Mixed Methodology • Pros and Cons • Reporting findings • Sample materials

  4. Background information • Joined the Achieving the Dream Initiative in 2006 • Focused on understanding and making better use of data to improve student outcomes. • Identifying gaps in student success outcomes • Diagnosing the underlying cause of these gaps • Led to a need to collect both quantitative and qualitative data

  5. Traditional Data Activities • Data collection and analyses typically limited to quantitative data only • e.g. Course completions, Retention/persistence, awards conferred, survey data • Enables us to identify where the gaps in student success exist • BUT, does not inform us as to why the gaps exist

  6. Why focus groups? • In order to address gaps in student success outcomes, need to know why they exist • Qualitative data, such as that gathered throughout focus groups is more diagnostic in nature

  7. The Challenge • By definition, focus groups typically focus on a single issue or question HOWEVER • End users want answers to more than one question AND • Time limits are dictated by class time frames

  8. Mixed methodology • Gathering possible questions • Designating key discussion questions and non-discussion questions • Paring down items • eliminating overlap or information that can be found in other places • Designating order of questions

  9. Mixed Methodology (cont.) • Conducting sessions • Staff—minimum 2 people • Prepare room • Introductions • Four time segments • Answering written questions • Discussion of answers • Discussion of additional verbal questions • Written comments on any additional feedback

  10. Pros • Allows for feedback that students may not feel free to voice amongst peers • More data than focus group discussion alone • Allows time for students to think about their opinion/responses before listening to others’ opinions • Multiple staff promotes validation of data

  11. Cons • Wording of the items is important as you may get the same answers to different questions that “sound” alike • Can result in repetitive data

  12. Reporting Findings • For each question • What themes or patterns in the responses emerged? • Sample responses highlighting these themes • Highlight noteworthy comments • Statements that really stand out • Quotes that represent significant findings/responses • Provide full record of responses in appendix

  13. Sample materials • Focus Group Feedback Form • Focus Group Instructions

  14. Questions?

  15. Contact information Tad Pfeifer tpfeifer@com.edu Kathy Friedrich kfriedrich@com.edu

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