title: Focus groups--what are they?
abstract: The use of focus groups has become common in many spheres of research, including dental research. This article provides an update on the history of focus groups, defines focus groups in the context of academic research and highlights their possible uses. Practical advice is provided on the conduct of focus groups and ethical considerations are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Dental Public Health Unit, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff.
authors.forename: I G
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Chestnutt
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Robson
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003625:Data Collection; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D018865:Dental Research; D004990:Ethics, Dental; D017144:Focus Groups / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods