title: The sociogram: a useful tool in the analysis of focus groups.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Focus groups are being utilized increasingly in health services research; however, methods of analyzing focus groups to acknowledge group processes are still under development.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore the use of sociograms as a tool in focus group analyses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sociograms are presented for two focus groups which were conducted to complement a randomized controlled trial on the use of audiovisual distraction during minor surgery. The sociograms are interpreted to accentuate issues that may arise during focus group research.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sociograms offer a useful method of conceptualizing group dynamics, drawing comparisons between focus groups, and reflecting on moderator technique. The sociogram is a useful aid for displaying and interpreting data from focus group discussions when used in combination with further qualitative inquiry.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences & Social Work, University of Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom. amy.drahota@port.ac.uk
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Drahota
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dewey
mesh_terms: D017144:Focus Groups / Q000379:methods*; D006126:Group Processes; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012963:Sociometric Techniques