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A methodology for cross-national comparative focus group research: illustrations from discussions about political protest

Author

Listed:
  • Maarten Johannes Bezouw

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

  • Anastasia Garyfallou

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

  • Ioana-Elena Oană

    (European University Institute)

  • Sebastien Rojon

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Abstract

We propose a methodology for comparative cross-national focus group research and illustrate how this methodology is useful for advancing our understanding of political protest. Focus group research allows researchers to study the collective process of meaning making and formation of intersubjective attitudes. This process has been shown to be relevant for how people discuss politics, and how in turn it could influence participation in politics. However, a systematic methodology for examining the influence of the historical, social, and political context in different countries has not been developed hitherto. In order to allow for comparisons between the formation of attitudes in different countries, we put forward several methodological decisions aimed at achieving standardization in cross-national focus group research design. Group composition, recruitment strategies, and moderation style are the key facets of focus group research that need to be standardized in order to make meaningful cross-national comparisons, but more practical considerations in implementing focus groups cross-nationally are also discussed. We illustrate and critically assess the proposed methodology based on data from an international comparative research project in which 80 focus groups were conducted in nine different countries in Europe and Latin America.

Suggested Citation

  • Maarten Johannes Bezouw & Anastasia Garyfallou & Ioana-Elena Oană & Sebastien Rojon, 2019. "A methodology for cross-national comparative focus group research: illustrations from discussions about political protest," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 53(6), pages 2719-2739, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:53:y:2019:i:6:d:10.1007_s11135-019-00887-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-019-00887-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Scott D. McClurg, 2006. "The Electoral Relevance of Political Talk: Examining Disagreement and Expertise Effects in Social Networks on Political Participation," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 50(3), pages 737-754, July.
    2. Mutz, Diana C., 2002. "Cross-cutting Social Networks: Testing Democratic Theory in Practice," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 96(1), pages 111-126, March.
    3. Bennett, Stephen E. & Flickinger, Richard S. & Rhine, Staci L., 2000. "Political Talk Over Here, Over There, Over Time," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 30(1), pages 99-119, January.
    4. Kitschelt, Herbert P., 1986. "Political Opportunity Structures and Political Protest: Anti-Nuclear Movements in Four Democracies," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 16(1), pages 57-85, January.
    5. Richard V. Burkhauser & Dean R. Lillard, 2005. "The Contribution and Potential of Data Harmonization for Cross-National Comparative Research," Discussion Papers of DIW Berlin 486, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
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    Cited by:

    1. Che-Wei Chang, 2022. "Supply chain movement risk in the sneaker industry: an empirical study," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 56(3), pages 1073-1092, June.

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