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K-State Today

May 24, 2013

Thurston publishes findings about use of technology in qualitative research

Submitted by Patrice Scott

Linda Thurston, professor and associate dean of research and external funding in the College of Education, co-authored an article with five colleagues titled "Is the Medium Really the Message? A Comparison of Face-to-Face, Telephone and Internet Focus Group Venues."

The article was published in the April edition of the Journal of Ethnographic and Qualitative Research.

The researchers examined the use of technology in qualitative research and used a side-by-side comparison of the four methods for collecting data. The results suggested different research questions might be more suited to a particular focus group venue.

"This research produced very interesting findings that will be important in both evaluation and research studies," Thurston said. "The study suggests that the type of venue for focus groups influences the depth and breadth of the discussion, as well as participant disclosure and interactions."