ERIC Number: EJ1262688
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1935-3308
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Conducting Focus Groups with Military Populations: Lessons Learned from the Field
Kay, Shelley S.; Lagana-Riordan, Christine; Bender, Alexis A.; Pecko, Joseph; Millikan, Amy M.
Journal of Ethnographic & Qualitative Research, v9 n3 p209-220 Spr 2015
While there is a growing interest in conducting qualitative research in military settings, there are few published studies which provide strategies for working with this unique population. [Our program] has conducted 437 focus groups (n=3,160) between 2008 and 2014. Through our extensive field experience with this population, we have observed how the culture of rank, transient nature of military life, "voluntold" atmosphere, military language, and cohesive environment can impact the planning and implementation of focus groups with Service members. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of these aspects of military culture, provide our insight about working with military populations, and discuss strategies that may help others better execute qualitative methodologies, particularly focus groups, in the military context.
Descriptors: Focus Groups, Military Personnel, Qualitative Research, Military Service, Organizational Culture, Mental Health, Health Behavior, Epidemiology, Power Structure, Ethics, Confidentiality, Informed Consent, Grounded Theory
Cedarville University. 251 North Main Street, Cedarville, OH 45314. Tel: 937-766-3242; Fax: 937-766-7971; e-mail: jeqr@comcast.net; Web site: http://www.jeqr.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A