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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Using sociograms provides a viable mechanism to complement content analysis and increase the methodological rigor of focus groups in health care research.
McAuley School of Nursing, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan.
Janet M
JM
Baiardi
School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Laura
L
Gultekin
School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Barbara L
BL
Brush
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005191:Family Characteristics / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups / Q000379:methods*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011209:Power, Psychological; D036301:Qualitative Research; D015406:Single Parent / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012963:Sociometric Techniques; D013060:Speech; D055815:Young Adult
focus groups; homeless persons; qualitative research; sociograms; women's health