To the Discussion on Focus Groups

Abstract

The article is a continuation of the discussion on the issue of incorrect interpretations of the focus group method, raised by the authors in the paper “What is wrong with focus groups”, published in the journal “ECO” No. 6, 2021. The authors interpret the focus group method as a group in-depth interview based on the probing technique. The article discusses the distorted use of the concepts of group dynamics, polarizing discussion, insight, projective methods, analysis of non-verbal reactions of respondents, etc. The authors raise the issue of the low quality of reports based on focus group studies and note the opacity of methods for conducting focus groups and analyzing their results. The article concludes that it is necessary to clearly formulate the methodological principles of focus group research and adjust university curricula.

From the editor. We publish this text despite the negative conclusions of the reviewers and out of respect for the authors’ experience. Since history knows cases when reviewers were wrong concerning scientific articles, the editors decided to publish this. Nevertheless, we draw the readers’ attention to the fact that the material was not accidentally placed in the “Point of View” section.

We believe that within the framework of academic freedom, it is essential to give the floor to different researchers even in situations where the author’s opinion does not coincide with the editors’ opinion. We hope this publication will be a positive example of this approach, not a mistake.