Reducing Selection Bias in the Use of Focus Groups to Investigate Hidden Populations: The Case of Mexican-American Gang Members from South Texas

SUMMARY

This paper examines the problem of selection bias in the recruitment of focus group participants. Selection bias is a methodological concern because it hinders the generalizability, representativeness, and comparability of focus group findings. Data for this paper was based on 24 focus groups conducted as part of a study on Mexican-American gangs. Discussed are specific strategies that minimize bias in the selection process among hidden populations. These include acquiring extensive information on gangs, avoiding institutional references, maintaining high visibility, making social contact, using community gatekeepers, and gender differences in accessing. The strategies recommended rely on traditional field work methods that involve immersion into the social world of the participants.