Insights into outreach: the research potential of online focus groups

Focus groups have become an established research instrument amongst those involved in widening participation (WP). However, COVID-19 presents a challenge to their use. The very strength of this method of data collection ‐ the opportunity to listen to those from WP backgrounds ‐ has been limited by the restricted access that outreach practitioners and researchers have had to schools and colleges since early 2020. Yet, the imperative of hearing from these students remains. Evidence suggests that the pandemic has had the most severe impact on those from the least advantaged backgrounds. Moreover, there is a need to establish the effectiveness of the outreach response, much of which has involved new modes of delivery. Online focus groups constitute a possible option. Whilst their potential has been recognised for a number of years, few studies have explored their use in the field. In seeking to offer insights, this article draws on the findings from two research projects that deployed online focus groups. Whilst various technical issues were encountered, the practical advantages they offered were evident in both studies, as was their capacity to generate highquality data. In recognising the contribution that online focus groups can make to the evidence base, this article concludes with some recommendations for their use.