Explain why a focus group is a useful qualitative method of gathering information. 

The course is 20-hours long and covers healthcare informatics (promotion, epidemiology, etc.)

The focus group method is an effective qualitative information gathering tool because researchers can gain insights into the thoughts and feelings of people in a relaxed setting. Participants are encouraged to express their opinions, experiences and perspectives. This allows researchers to better understand how trends may affect the population. By engaging individuals at a personal level, it’s possible to uncover dialogues that might otherwise go unnoticed. This can reveal valuable insights into underlying beliefs or motivations.

Focus groups also provide a forum for people from different cultures and backgrounds to come together to talk about topics that are important to everyone. Studies of this type often lead to more creative ideas being presented, since participants are free to share their opinions without worrying about judgement. This creates an environment that encourages collaboration and exploration. Understanding why focus groups can be a useful tool for researchers to gain deeper knowledge about complex issues, while also encouraging diversity and inclusion in their data collection efforts.