As research in ethnic minority and refugee communities continues to grow, little is shared among investigators on the pros and cons, success and failure, of different research methodologies, particularly when studying quality of health care, patient satisfaction, health promotion, and eliminating health disparities. With limited funding and short-term research projects, a concrete research methodology is crucial and will dictate the success of a project. Under such circumstances, focus groups are often favored over interviews for monetary and logistical reasons. Researchers at The Cross Cultural Health Care Program have implemented numerous projects using a variety of research methodologies incorporating focus groups, interviews, or both with respondents from a variety of communities. This presentation will explore the advantages and disadvantages of focus groups and interviews when working with multi-lingual/multi-ethnic respondents; and how researchers can design an appropriate research methodology that considers the language, logistics, project timeline and expenses, and research question. The presenter will also discuss barriers that researchers will face when conducting focus groups or interviews using recent projects as examples. The presentation will also cover the use of interpreters and translators as cultural mediators.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to develop a more concrete research methodology that considers the advantages and disadvantages of focus groups and interviews when working in ethnic minority and refugee communities
Keywords: Methodology, Ethnic Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.