Focus groups have traditionally been used in market and design research to obtain group reactions to product concepts. In this paper we outline a simple methodological extension to this format, involving a further stage of concept re-design in smaller sub-groups facilitated by a professional designer. The method was developed in the context of working with groups of older people on concepts add...

The term escapism tends to be used in game research without providing any extensive definition of what it means or acknowledging its composite nature. In this paper, the authors question the possible conceptualizations of escapism and the extent to which gamers identify with them. Beginning with a theoretical deconstruction of escapism, the authors developed a framework that they applied in an ...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest a framework for workplace information literacy based on a case study at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State (South Africa). Design/methodology/approach – The framework is based on a literature survey covering case studies from the private, public and academic sector and a case study conducted at the CUT, Free State (South Afri...

Many analyses of initial coordination are based on the view that elements like either, both and neither are conjunctions. Such a view, however, leaves many questions unanswered with respect to the prosodic and syntactic structure of these constructions and their interpretation. This study argues that English either and its Dutch counterpart of are focus particles rather than conjunctions. This ...

The data presented in this chapter had a direct impact on the content and structure of the ICIDH-2 classification, and the development of assessment instruments. The methods were chosen to help to identify the correct placement of items in the classification, and to present clear information on the cross-cultural stability of the structure of ICIDH-2 as a whole. Methodologically, the data are a...

Examining the scientific process in relation to endangered data, data reuse, and sharing is crucial in facilitating scientific workflow. Deterioration, format obsolescence, and insufficient metadata for discovery are significant problems leading to loss of scientific data. The research presented in this paper considers these potentially lost data. Four one-hour focus groups and a demographic su...

This paper reports on a stated preference study of exurban Rhode Island residents that assessed the relative attractiveness of a variety of commercial and recreational land uses. Focus group participants and town planners proclaimed a demand for certain commercial developments such as grocery stores and fine-dining restaurants, but survey respondents generally exhibit a strong preference for no...

Richard Redmond and Elizabeth Curtis describe the process of conducting focus groups. It is specifically aimed at students undertaking research methods modules and those planning to use focus groups as a means of collecting data. It begins with a discussion of the uses of focus groups before moving on to discuss some of the many activities associated with the planning, organising and conducting...

This paper reports the findings of one component of the impact study being undertaken in the UK as part of the Johns Hopkins Comparative Non-profit Sector project. Drawing upon a literature review, expert interviews and a focus group, the paper summarises evidence on the impact of the third sector in social housing in the UK organised using the functions and drawbacks thought to be characterist...