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International Journal of Social Research Methodology Volume 27, 2024 - Issue 4
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Short Articles

Considerations for conducting online focus groups on sensitive topics

Tanja Samardzica Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaCorrespondence[email protected]
ORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2381-013XView further author information
ORCID Icon,
Christine Wildmanb Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaView further author information
,
Paula C. Barataa Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-8701-0425View further author information
ORCID Icon &
Mavis Mortonb Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3031-2331View further author information
ORCID Icon
Pages 485-490 | Received 07 Jun 2022, Accepted 21 Feb 2023, Published online: 06 Mar 2023

References

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  • Acocella, I. (2012). The focus groups in social research: Advantages and disadvantages. Quality & Quantity, 46(4), 1125–1136. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-011-9600-4
  • Elmer, G., Neville, S. J., Burton, A., & Ward-Kimola, S. (2021). Zoombombing during a global pandemic. Social Media + Society, 7(3), 205630512110353. https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051211035356
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  • Hinkes, C. (2021). Key aspects to consider when conducting synchronous text-based online focus groups – a research note. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 24(6), 753–759. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2020.1801277
  • Johnson, B., & Odhner, K. (2021). Focus groups from home: Conducting virtual focus groups during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. College & Research Libraries, 82(6), 258. https://doi.org/10.5860/crln.82.6.258
  • Kite, J., & Phongsavan, P. (2017). Insights for conducting real-time focus groups online using a web conferencing service. F1000research, 6, 122. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.10427.2
  • Lee, R. M. (1993). Doing research on sensitive topics. SAGE.
  • Mallon, S., Borgstrom, E., & Murphy, S. 2021. Unpacking sensitive research: A stimulating exploration of an established concept [Special issue]. Eds. S. Mallon, E. Borgstrom, & S. Murphy. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 24(5), 517–521.https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2020.1857965
  • Pianesi, A., & Lenzo, A. (2011). The art of online hosting: From PowerPoint to powerful. In Pegasus Communications. INC. [Blinded]http://theworldcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/onlinehosting.pdf
  • Samardzic, T., Barata, P. C., Morton, M., & Yen, J. (2023). “It Doesn’t Feel Like You Can Win”: Young Women's Talk About Heterosexual Relationships. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 47(1), 127–143. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361684322113557
  • Tuttas, C. A. (2015). Lessons learned using web conference technology for online focus group interviews. Qualitative Health Research, 25(1), 122–133. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732314549602
  • The World Café Community Foundation. (2015). A quick reference guide for hosting world café illustration by Nancy Margulies. http://www.theworldcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Cafe-To-Go-Revised.pdf

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