Authors

Jane L. Phillips, University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow
Patricia M. Davidson

Title

Focus group methodology: Being guided along a pathway from novice to expert

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2009

Abstract

Embarking on a research project is somewhat akin to venturing on a voyage into the unknown and being constantly exposed to new encounters and experiences, many of which are unexpected and some of which are not desirable. Often this research journey is like riding a roller coaster, where there are moments of exhilaration and immense satisfaction, closely followed by feelings of despair and frustration when events are not going as planned. What I (Jane) have come to realize, though, is that this is the real world of research, particularly when it is conducted outside the laboratory and in dynamic settings, such as hospitals and schools. As a novice researcher, the only exposure I had to research was through text-books and pristine research reports. So, having a mentor who was able to support and navigate me through this journey helped make it a less confronting experience. This mentoring has been an integral aspect of my learning experience.

ISBN: 9781412956772 Paperback

ISBN: 9781412956765 Hardcover

Comments

Due to copyright restrictions this article is unavailable for download.

Qualitative Journeys: Student and Mentor Experiences With Research may be accessed from the publisher here

Qualitative Journeys: Student and Mentor Experiences With Research may be accessed as a Google Book from the National Library of Australia here

Recommended Citation

Phillips, J. L., & Davidson, P. M. (2009). Focus group methodology: Being guided along a pathway from novice to expert. In V. Minichiello & J. A. Kottler (Eds.), Qualitative journeys: Student and mentor experiences with research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.