Conducting school-based focus groups: lessons learned from the CATS project

J Pediatr Nurs. 2003 Oct;18(5):321-31. doi: 10.1016/s0882-5963(03)00104-0.

Abstract

Participation of children in focus groups has received scant attention despite the effectiveness of group interviews in eliciting children's views. Focus groups are a valuable approach for generating qualitative data from children; however, conducting school-based focus groups involves challenges specific to the school milieu and the ages and development of the participants. Lessons learned from conducting school-based focus groups during the Child-Adolescent Teasing Scale (CATS) project are applied to examination of key issues including entry to schools, informed consent and confidentiality, students' cognitive development, safety within the group, and appropriate procedures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Cognition
  • Confidentiality
  • Focus Groups*
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent
  • Schools*