Using Sociograms to Enhance Power and Voice in Focus Groups

Public Health Nurs. 2015 Sep-Oct;32(5):584-91. doi: 10.1111/phn.12199. Epub 2015 May 4.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Black or African American / psychology
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data
  • Family Characteristics / ethnology
  • Female
  • Focus Groups / methods*
  • Health Services Research
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / psychology*
  • Ill-Housed Persons / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Mothers / statistics & numerical data
  • Power, Psychological*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Single Parent / psychology
  • Single Parent / statistics & numerical data
  • Sociometric Techniques*
  • Speech*
  • Young Adult