ETHICS IN FOCUS GROUPS - A FEW CONCERNS

Although the focus group methodology has become an increasingly popular research measure in the past 15 years, very little has been written about the ethical issues. Although the question of ethics is not unique to this approach, there are ethical issues that are specific to the focus group interview. The major issue to consider as a researcher using this technique is the potential of overdisclosure by the participants, particularly if the research topic is sensitive. As researchers we are obligated to insure that participants in our studies are not harmed (physically or psychologically) by our research. To provide research participants the safest environment possible, the researcher must have an understanding and ability to apply ethical theories to their situations. This article discusses ethical theories, specific ethical concerns to focus groups, the role of the researcher in such cases, and makes recommendations for future consideration.