Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Use of focus groups for the environmental health researcher
Danelle T Lobdell1, Suzanne Gilboa, Pauline Mendola
1U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA. lobdell.danelle@epa.gov
Abstract:
Qualitative research techniques, such as focus groups, are often underutilized by the environmental health researcher. Researchers can use the data from focus groups for study planning and implementation, as well as the interpretation of study results. Focus group data can also be used to understand community risk perceptions and potential barriers to co munity acceptance of programs and policies. This paper describes the value of focus groups for the environmental health researcher. Examples from the literature are inccorporated to demonstrate the effective use of focus groups in a variety of environmental health research settings. A brief review of data analysis approaches, including commercially available software, is provided. The authors encourage increased application of this and other qualitative research methods in environmental health research.
More Related Videos
09:50Real-World M3-BREATHE: Toward Multimodal Mobile Monitoring of Behaviour, Respiration, and Exposures for Treatment and Health Evaluation
Published on: June 5, 2026
09:33Visualizing Field Data Collection Procedures of Exposure and Biomarker Assessments for the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network Trial in India
Published on: December 23, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Naturalistic Observations
Strategies for Assessing and Addressing Confounding
Confounding can be addressed at both the design phase of a study and through analytical methods after data...
Sampling Plans
Random sampling is a method where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample. It involves selecting individuals randomly, often using random number generators or lottery-type methods. For example, when analyzing the properties of a...
Introduction to Epidemiology
Surveys
Study Designs in Epidemiology
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies.