Objective: To discuss the use of sociograms in our focus groups with homeless sheltered mothers and to assess facilitator influence and the distribution of power influence.
Design and sample: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design that utilizes both focus groups and sociograms. Two focus groups were conducted in December 2009 (N = 7) and January 2010 (N = 4). Data analysis included a content analysis and a process analysis using sociograms to graphically represent group participant dynamics.
Results: Use of the sociogram provided a means to assess the influence of the facilitator as well as quantify the degree to which group participants' voices are included.
Conclusion: Using sociograms provides a viable mechanism to complement content analysis and increase the methodological rigor of focus groups in health care research.
Keywords: focus groups; homeless persons; qualitative research; sociograms; women's health.
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