Focus Group in apllied qualitative research: intersubjectivity and construction of meanings

Abstract

This paper analyses the use of focus group technique based on the author's and his collaborators' experience with applied qualitative research. The technique is described according to the scientific literature and its application is analysed based on the experience evaluation of the informers involved with specified research situation. Some aspects concerning the focus group participants intersubjectivity are emphasized: social subject condition assumed by them, emergence of intersubjective signification along the process, informers psychological involvement with the construction of the meanings, creation of a "meaning-space" from participant perception about the research purposes and researchers intentions.