Interpreting Outcomes: Using Focus Groups in Evaluation Research.

Although focus groups continue to gain popularity in marketing and social science research, their use in program evaluation has been limited. Here we demonstrate how focus groups can benefit evaluators, program staff, policy makers and administrators by providing an in-depth understanding of program...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Family Relations Vol. 53; no. 3; pp. 310 - 317
Autores principales: Ansay, Sylvia J., Perkins, Daniel F., Nelson, John
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Apr2004
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Although focus groups continue to gain popularity in marketing and social science research, their use in program evaluation has been limited. Here we demonstrate how focus groups can benefit evaluators, program staff, policy makers and administrators by providing an in-depth understanding of program effectiveness from the perspective of participants as stakeholders in program outcomes. Using data from the Youth Action Program, a prevention program funded by the United States Air Force for military dependent adolescents at risk, our methodology included a narrative approach to data analysis, combining theme analysis with a systematic interpretive approach centering on how group members experienced the program within the contexts of their daily lives. We show that the parents benefited from the program beyond youth outcomes, and this was useful information for program improvement and expansion. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.