A focus group ethical issue

[437_xo]

Can anyone please help me with this question? (the second part of the question)

What happens when a person decides to withdraw or becomes distressed part-way through the focus group and what are the procedures in place to allow withdrawal in front of others so it does not negatively impact on the participant?

In other words, how can a participant leave in front of the other participants without judgement i suppose? I really can't seem to get my head around the issue. I've searched other journals for inspiration but there seems to be no way of doing it other than making sure the participant is well informed beforehand. 

[soc13]

Is this something that happened, or that you're worried *might* happen?

It's an interesting issue. If this is something you anticipate occurring, it's worth considering if a focus group is really the best methodological choice. Why not use individual interviews if there's a high chance that participants will become so distressed they'll need to withdraw?  That way, there's less chance of embarrassment/damage, and it's more possible to 'take a break' and start again than with a focus group.

I've never had a participant withdraw when I've moderated a group, so I can't speak from firsthand experience. However, I can say that it's pretty common for folks to leave the group for a few minutes to use the restroom, etc., and some are gone longer than others (using their phones, etc.), and other participants tend to charge forward without worrying about where said person is.  I think that's why it's especially helpful to have a moderator as well as someone else around, outside of the group, who can help out with any issues that arise or just be taking care of things like checking folks in, getting consent forms, etc., so that people know when a person steps out there's someone "official" there.

As a moderator, you can always just remind the group (when you're sensing a participant is struggling or getting distressed) that their participation is totally voluntary and if it is getting challenging for them or they are not feeling like being part of it any more, they are free to 'take a break' or leave.

[harrila]

This may not always be possible, but this is one of the occasions when it's helpful to have an assistant (co-moderator, note-taker, etc.). That person can kind of pull the respondent aside and escort them out. This allows the focus group to keep moving so no one has time to dwell on someone leaving.

I agree with mm3733 - if the topic is sensitive or personal enough that people might leave, a focus group may not be the best mode. In my experience, when someone is a little uncomfortable, they just don't answer the questions posed to them.