The Focus Group qualitative research technique has found, over the years, a wide use in Social Sciences. It consists of a short discussion in which a smaller group of people take part, selected on the basis of survey criteria and called upon to discuss a particular topic under the supervision of one or more moderators. During the focus group, the moderator(s) encourages the free flow of ideas from participants according to a set of predetermined questions. The information gathered, reflecting the emotions and perceptions of the group, will be used by the researcher-moderators to direct their investigation at its initial phase, to create a plan of action or at the conclusion of the study, to determine its results.
In the context of the European NEXUS project, a series of Focus Groups are planned to actively involve youth workers, researchers and policy makers from each partner country in sharing their experiences and points of view on the topic of young carers and their involvement in participatory research and development of practices and policies.
The NEXUS Focus Groups, scheduled from September, are part of a preliminary research phase aimed at exploring and defining the macro learning areas that will be developed by the project consortium as part of a training program for youth workers designed to increase their participation and support in research and policy advocacy.
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