Abstract
This article considers the philosophical underpinnings that have shadowed the emergence of focus group methods as a counterpoise to positivist research design. Examples of the application of focus group methods are drawn from two studies where the voices of marginalized groups were facilitated: 1) focus groups with patients diagnosed with personality disorder; and 2) focus groups with gypsy travellers. In both groups there were varying degrees of coherence in communication although particular attention here is paid to the role of dissonance and `negative dialectics' in the formation of opinion. Data generation in focus groups is considered in relation to group size, structure and clinical techniques.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
