Contextualised Environment Influence on Group Dynamics

Abstract

The aim of this study was to unfold how a focal group’s initial and future dynamics are influenced by its interaction both within and between its contextualised environment over. To fulfil this aim, I applied inductive reasoning by gathering data from multiple sources to support my theoretical propositions (Copi, Cohen, & Flage, 2007). My data gathering strategies applied a multi-method research strategy (Brewer & Hunter, 2006), collecting data from as many sources as possible to flesh out an understanding of a group’s behaviours from the perspective of the members. The multi-method research strategy entailed my collection of data from participant observations, use of field notes, completion of semi-structured interviews, and a review of the focal group’s historical documents, which provided me with another source of authenticity through triangulation. The methods that I applied to account for my preconceptions were a part of a multistage process that included having my participant observations of focal group meetings digitally recorded and transcribed by a third party. A third-party transcriber provided me with data that was free of my interpretation regarding what was said and by whom. Upon completion of the transcription, I used my research field notes to record events and incidents that I noted during meetings and interviews. After each meeting or interview, I completed a self-debrief to ascertain if, when, and to what degree my preconceptions may have played in my interpretations. Three points guided the multi-method research strategy: the type of research questions I raised, the degree of control I had over the studied phenomenon, and whether the source(s) of group data were current versus historical (Yin, 2009). My research questions were asking how and why group dynamics emerge when a group interacts both within and across multiple contextual fields over time. I exerted no control over my studied phenomena (group interplay). Where instances of researcher influence did occur (researcher preconceptions), they were documented to ensure that my interpretations were authentic to those displayed through group interplay. By being aware of these incidents, I gained a greater insight into the perspectives of the focal group through my interpretations of how they interacted.