Focus Groups in Brazilian Research: Current Scenario and Methodological Challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-4327e3324Keywords:
focus group, qualitative research, , psychologyAbstract
Based on an integrative review, this study aimed to critically discuss the use of focus groups in empirical research in Brazilian Psychology over the last two decades and to qualify the methodological decisions of those who opt for this approach. Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO were consulted, finding 62 articles in national journals in the area. The primary contexts of use were work, education, health, and social, with wide theoretical diversity. There has been a significant growth of the technique in research in Psychology since 2002, despite the need for improvement in the description of selection procedures, group composition, number of participants, the script for conducting, analysis, and presentation of results. However, it is necessary to ensure alignment between objective, theory, and method to improve the use of focus groups in psychological interventions.
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Sônia Maria Guedes Gondim is a Professor of the Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador-BA, Brazil and of the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlância-MG, Brazil.
Laila Leite Carneiro is a Professor of the Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador-BA, Brazil.
Franciane Andrade de Morais is a Professor of the Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador-BA, Brazil.
Liana Santos Alves Peixoto is a Professor of the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus-BA, Brazil and Centro Universitário Maria Milza, Governador Mangabeira-BA, Brazil.
Daniela Campos Bahia Moscon is a Professor of the Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador-BA, Brazil.
Rayana Santedicola Andrade is a Professor of the Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador-BA, Brazil.
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