Discussion Group Technique in Social Research
Both social psychology and sociology utilize groups. The technique was quickly disseminated by psychotherapy in the 1930s and 40s, and by the 1950s, it was very popular in the field of market research (as seen in “The Focused Interview” by Merton, Fiske, and Kendall).
Subsequently, it has been introduced in other areas, such as the evaluation and implementation of social programs, and even in the application of quantitative techniques like surveys (questionnaire design).
In social work, there is a clear need to articulate both technical guidelines (observation groups and intervention groups) so that the project’s technical resources used for social intervention can better adapt to the social reality of users.
Technique of Discussion Groups
Above all, the Discussion Group (DG) is primarily an observational technique. Like any other, it shares common ground with other information available to the social reality where it applies. However, social reality is only revealed if the questions are answered, although the manner of questioning and answering differs according to the techniques used.
Therefore, to avoid deficiencies in decision-making, we must anticipate questions that are ignored, using subtle ways to question. These should not be part of the pattern of previous questions and answers, but rather broad areas for free discussion and formulation.
The DG is an exemplary technique for exploring and understanding evolving social phenomena about which there is little or no information. On many issues, there are not only black or white answers. The latter, based on a survey response, refers to the simplicity of the answer or the politically correct. There is also the answer that depends on questionnaires that are not taken into account.
In the DG, study topics are discussed based on what people say and do symbolically. Information is obtained on a general level, concrete in social discourses, from the characteristics of the participants. The group reports what people are doing, which differs from what individuals state. For that, you need another open interview technique, as the group’s position is subject to individual or general consensus, translated into concrete and debated common problems.
In conclusion, the DG is a technique used to obtain social representations of various subjects where the investigator has little or limited prior knowledge of what is relevant or significant. It is especially useful for issues undergoing major changes in society, a fact that makes itself felt even when it comes to knowing the contexts or social situations where people’s behaviors vary and are limited to those that are expressed symbolically as a general rule.
Research Design Using Groups
The artificiality of the discussion group is designed for the purposes and objectives proposed in the research.
From here, the researcher defines the objectives and, thereafter, the number and characteristics of the members. We must take into account two main issues related to research objectives:
- Internally homogeneous groups: Looking at both demographic variables (gender, age, social class, etc.) and specific variables related to the study (e.g., violence in the classroom: the groups involved; care of elders: affected group). This meeting aims to study the characteristics of the object.
- Heterogeneity between study groups: To establish different viewpoints, the different characteristics of different groups mean they have different viewpoints. However, an internally homogeneous group will see the problem from the standpoint of their needs, while another with other characteristics will see it differently.
Preparation of the Meeting
Once the groups are designed, it is important to prepare and design the meetings that will be held, selecting specific people and materials needed. The preparation of meetings requires attending to two orders of things:
- Recruit the right people.
- Anticipate the appropriateness of the means necessary for conducting the meeting.
Recruitment of Members
Its main purpose is to call a certain number of people to a certain place and time for the express purpose of serving the research. This implies, first, connectors, and second, reaching an agreement.