DocumentCode :
3444681
Title :
Using the focus group method in software engineering: obtaining practitioner and user experiences
Author :
Kontio, Jyrki ; Lehtola, Laura ; Bragge, Johanna
Author_Institution :
Helsinki Univ. of Technol., Finland
fYear :
2004
fDate :
19-20 Aug. 2004
Firstpage :
271
Lastpage :
280
Abstract :
This paper reflects on three cases where the focus group method was used to obtain feedback and experiences from software engineering practitioners and application users. The focus group method and its background are presented, the method´s weaknesses and strengths are discussed, and guidelines are provided for how to use the method in the software engineering context. Furthermore, the results of the three studies conducted are highlighted and the paper concludes in a discussion on the applicability of the method for this type of research. In summary, the focus group method is a cost-effective and quick empirical research approach for obtaining qualitative insights and feedback from practitioners. It can be used in several phases and types of research. However, a major limitation of the method is that it is useful only in studying concepts that can be understood by participants in a limited time. We also recommend that in the software engineering context, the method should be used with sufficient empirical rigor.
Keywords :
risk management; software engineering; application practitioner experience; application user experience; cost-effective; focus group method; group support systems; qualitative research methods; requirement prioritization; risk management; software engineering; Application software; Collaborative software; Costs; Current supplies; Feedback; Guidelines; Information systems; Risk management; Software engineering; Usability;
fLanguage :
English
Publisher :
ieee
Conference_Titel :
Empirical Software Engineering, 2004. ISESE '04. Proceedings. 2004 International Symposium on
Print_ISBN :
0-7695-2165-7
Type :
conf
DOI :
10.1109/ISESE.2004.1334914
Filename :
1334914
Link To Document :
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