Focus Group and Perceptions Article Critique

Total Length: 561 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 2

Page 1 of 2

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

No conceptual or theoretical framework was clearly identified. However, the authors do focus on patient-centered care within an evidence-based practice framework.

Research/Study Design

The research design is described as being descriptive and is therefore phenomenological. The authors use a focus group model, and operationalize the definition of the term focus group. A focus group for the purposes of this study is defined as a small group and has as its objective the "acquisition of information based on perceptions, beliefs, traditions, and values of its participants," (Heinrich & Karner, n.d., p. 31). Focus groups are one of the most commonly used study designs in qualitative research in health care (Gill, Stewart, Treasure & Chadwick, 2008). Furthermore, the focus group was selected for this qualitative research design because it permitted 'interaction and discussion" among the participants, leading to "rich data related to the learning needs of older adults living in community settings," (Heinrich & Karner, n.d., p. 31). Questions related to reflections on how health care providers offered information, and how the participants acquire information about health issues on their own.

Sampling Techniques

Criteria for participation included being aged 60 or older, able to live independently but living in a senior community, and speaking English.

Stuck Writing Your "Focus Group and Perceptions" Article Critique?

To obtain the sample, fliers were placed in two county-subsidized senior living apartment complexes. Fourteen persons responded to the flier and were able to participate fully in the focus group meetings as well as the information sessions leading up to the focus groups.

Ethical Issues

Permission had to be obtained from the Area Agency on Aging, in order to place the fliers to obtain the sample. All participants were given informed consent, offered a brief description of the study before they agreed to participate. Similarly, the information sessions prior to the study provided an opportunity for providing additional background information about the study. Therefore, participants were well informed before commencing the research. However, anonymity and privacy were not necessarily protected.

Data Collection Methods and Procedures

Data was collected from the focus group meetings. The focus group meetings were loosely structured. The researchers introduced four broad subject areas related to how health care providers disseminate health-related information, impressions of health care providers and the information they give, and autonomous health information seeking. The questions were based on a review of literature revealing potential areas of weakness in health information. Therefore, the data was collected in ways….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Focus Group And Perceptions" (2016, November 23) Retrieved June 14, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/focus-group-perceptions-2163051

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Focus Group And Perceptions" 23 November 2016. Web.14 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/focus-group-perceptions-2163051>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Focus Group And Perceptions", 23 November 2016, Accessed.14 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/focus-group-perceptions-2163051