JOURNAL OF HIGHER EDUCATION THEORY AND PRACTICE

Comparing Traditional, Group Support Systems (GSS) and

On-Line Focus Groups

Author(s): John Watson, Rick Newby

Citation: John Watson, Rick Newby, (2013) "Comparing Traditional, Group Support Systems (GSS) and On-Line Focus Groups," Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, Vol. 13, Iss. 3/4, pp. 44 - 56

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

Blackburn and Stokes (2000, p.48) suggest that focus groups have been “relatively under used” and that

part of the reason for this might be a lack of understanding by researchers of “what rigorously conducted

focus groups can achieve.” Our aim, therefore, is to provide researchers with a greater awareness of the

potential for conducting focus groups, together with specific guidance on how to undertake three

particular types of focus group: the traditional focus group; focus groups undertaken using Group

Support System (GSS) software; and on-line focus groups. Each method will be discussed and their

potential advantages and disadvantages highlighted.