Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Group Interviews in Naturalistic Settings and Neutral Settings
| Setting | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalistic | Convenience for participants Participant comfort in the setting Immersion in environmental stimuli and setting, allowing for consideration of application of the proposed technologic intervention in their office Simple payment mechanism: office receives lump sum for participation | Potential distraction by impending work to be done when focus group interview completed Possible reluctance to criticize own office’s procedures Potential lack of space in practice to hold sessions Compensation to the practice may have limited benefit for office staff |
| Neutral | Lack of distraction by environmental stimuli Lack of distraction by immediacy of the time clock Potential sense of security in voicing opinion, especially if negative, about the system under investigation Freedom to use the participation incentive as desired | Need to travel to the location chosen for session Expectation that staff members will use their lunch time to participate |