When planning focus groups to discuss perceptions of adolescent girls, what is a significant concern for the researcher?

The researcher’s primary concern when planning focus groups to discuss perceptions of adolescent girls is ensuring confidentiality among the participants. Focus groups involve a small group of individuals discussing sensitive topics, which can lead to personal stories or experiences being shared that may not be suitable for broader dissemination.

Maintaining confidentiality is essential to create a safe environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their true feelings and experiences without fear that their identity or personal information will be exposed. This is particularly important when working with vulnerable populations such as adolescents, who may be more hesitant to express themselves if they believe that their contributions could lead to negative repercussions.

While emotional distress and recruitment strategies are also important factors to consider, safeguarding participant confidentiality directly impacts the integrity of the research and the willingness of participants to engage openly in discussions. Without strong assurances of confidentiality, the quality of the data collected could be compromised, as participants may choose to withhold information or decline to participate altogether.