The focus group method as an empirical tool in software engineering

Abstract

This chapter presents the focus group method and discusses its use for empirical research in the software engineering context. The background, process and main characteristics of the method are presented, as well as guidelines for its use. Moreover, the traditional as well computer-mediated focus group variations are compared to each other. The chapter concludes in with a discussion of the applicability of the method for software engineering research. In summary, the focus group method is a cost-effective and quick empirical research approach for obtaining qualitative insights and feedback from practitioners. It can be used in several phases and types of research. However, a major limitation of the method is that it is useful only in studying concepts that can be understood by knowledgeable participants in a limited time. We also emphasize the importance of empirical rigor when the method is used in scholarly work. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London.