About the Event :

A focus group interview provides an opportunity for researchers and research participants to exchange knowledge, opinion and experience on a specific topic. Through studying the interview dialogues, researchers can explore the meaning of people's action, and understand how people construct their actions. The successful collection of meaningful data and proper data interpretation is highly dependent on researchers' experience and interview skills. Appropriate presentation of findings not only allows readers to grasp the focus of discussion easily, it also demonstrates the significance of the study.

This seminar will introduce the concept and characteristics of focus group interviews, followed by their application and operation in the research process. Essential skills of interview guide formulation, research participant recruitment and data analysis will be discussed. The speaker will share his experience in data interpretation and choosing a suitable style for findings presentation. 

Facilitator(s) :

Prof Cheung Siu Keung is Associate Vice President (University Administration) and Professor of Sociology at Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU). He is the author of Gender and Community under British Colonialism: Emotion, Struggle, and Politics in a Chinese Village (New York: Routledge, 2012), and the chief editor of Special Issues Series on Hong Kong Social and Cultural Studies. He co-edited Social Transformations in Chinese Societies (Hong Kong Sociological Association's house journal), Marginalization in China: Recasting Minority Politics (New York: Palgrave, 2009), China's Rise to Power (New York: Palgrave, 2012), and wrote a number of journal articles and book chapters in the field of Hong Kong culture and society.

Objectives :

This seminar aims to:

• demonstrate the major principles, issues and utilities of focus group interview;
• illustrate the elements and methods for constructing a well-designed research;
• develop participants' with proper moderation skills for effective interview; and
• discuss the appropriate style for presenting the research findings from focus group interview.

Target Audience :

All VTC Staff

Enquiry :

Ms LUK Wing Yin, Fiona
Project Officer
Tel: 2919-1559
E-mail: fionaluk@vtc.edu.hk