Using Sociograms to Enhance Power and Voice in Focus Groups.

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.