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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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| The challenges of conducting focus-group research among Asian older adults | | Author(s) | Kalyani K Mehta |
| Journal title | Ageing and Society, vol 31, part 3, April 2011 |
| Pages | pp 408-421 |
| Source | http://www.journals.cambridge.org/aso |
| Keywords | Ageing process ; Research ; Methodology ; Qualitative Studies ; Social ethics ; Asia. |
| Annotation | Last of four articles that together make up a special issue on research methodology and ageing. This paper investigates the value of focus groups as a data collection method in studies of older people with particular reference to those living in large cities in Asia. Some of the method's strengths derive from the interaction among older people with a shared history and lived experiences. Focus-group exchanges have the potential for inter-personal learning and reminiscence benefits. One difficulty with the method, however, is that many Asian people are inhibited about sharing personal problems in a group context. The paper draws from a number of studies in Singapore, and highlights the challenges of conducting focus groups with older participants. Ethical issues such as confidentiality, cultural sensitivities such as language and respect for religion and tradition are discussed. Also, lessons learnt from conducting research using the group setting are discussed. Culturally relevant responses to these challenges are offered which could be useful for future researchers in Asia. (JL). |
| Accession Number | CPA-110505005 A |
| Classmark | BG: 3A: 3D: 3DP: TQ: 7C |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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