Using Sociograms to Enhance Power and Voice in Focus Groups

Area of Science:

• Qualitative research methods
• Social network analysis
• Health services research

Background:

• Focus groups are common in health research but assessing group dynamics can be challenging.
• Understanding facilitator influence and participant power distribution is crucial for data validity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the utility of sociograms in focus groups with homeless sheltered mothers.
• To assess facilitator influence and power dynamics within these groups.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was employed.
• Two focus groups were conducted (N=7 and N=4).
• Sociograms were used alongside content and process analysis to map group dynamics.

Main Results:

• Sociograms effectively visualized facilitator influence.
• The method quantified participant inclusion and voice.
• Group participant dynamics were graphically represented.

Conclusions:

• Sociograms offer a valuable tool to enhance the methodological rigor of focus groups.
• This technique complements traditional content analysis in healthcare research.
• Sociograms provide a viable mechanism for assessing group process and power structures.