⚡ Quick Summary
This review explores the integration of virtual focus groups (FGDs) and artificial intelligence (AI) in qualitative research, highlighting their potential to enhance accessibility and data analysis. Key findings indicate that AI tools like Natural Language Processing (NLP) can significantly streamline qualitative data analysis, while also addressing ethical challenges.
🔍 Key Details
- 📊 Focus: Virtual FGDs and AI applications in qualitative research
- 🧩 Platforms analyzed: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Facebook, Reddit
- ⚙️ Technologies: AI-driven tools including NLP for transcription and thematic analysis
- 🏆 Benefits: Enhanced geographical accessibility and participant engagement
🔑 Key Takeaways
- 🌐 Digital FGDs improve access for marginalized populations.
- 🤖 AI tools like NLP facilitate automated transcription and thematic analysis.
- 🎮 Gamification techniques enhance participant engagement through interactive methods.
- ⚖️ Ethical challenges include informed consent and data security.
- 🔄 Hybrid approaches combine traditional and digital methods for richer insights.
- 📈 Ongoing refinement of methodologies is essential for effective implementation.
- 🔍 Future research should focus on developing robust ethical frameworks.
📚 Background
The landscape of qualitative research is rapidly evolving due to the integration of digital technologies and AI. Traditional methods of conducting focus group discussions are being transformed, offering new opportunities for data collection and analysis. However, these advancements also present unique challenges that researchers must navigate.
🗒️ Study
This narrative review systematically evaluates the recent developments in virtual FGDs and AI applications. The authors synthesized relevant literature focusing on various online platforms and innovative methodologies, aiming to assess both the benefits and challenges associated with these technologies in qualitative research.
📈 Results
The findings reveal that digital FGDs significantly enhance accessibility, allowing for the inclusion of participants who may have been previously excluded due to geographical or logistical barriers. AI-driven tools, particularly NLP, have streamlined qualitative data analysis, effectively capturing complex emotional nuances and improving the overall efficiency of research processes.
🌍 Impact and Implications
The integration of virtual FGDs and AI in qualitative research holds the potential to revolutionize the field. By enhancing accessibility and engagement, researchers can gather richer insights from diverse populations. However, it is crucial to address the ethical considerations that arise, ensuring that all participants are treated fairly and that their data is secure.
🔮 Conclusion
This review underscores the significant advantages of utilizing virtual FGDs and AI in qualitative research. While the benefits are substantial, ongoing methodological refinement and the establishment of clear ethical guidelines are essential for maximizing the potential of these technologies. Future research should prioritize addressing current limitations and enhancing digital qualitative methodologies.
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Enhancing qualitative research through virtual focus groups and artificial intelligence: A review.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The rapid integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) into qualitative research has significantly transformed traditional methods of conducting focus group discussions (FGDs). Online platforms and AI-driven analysis techniques now offer new opportunities and present distinct challenges.
OBJECTIVE: This narrative review aims to critically evaluate recent developments in virtual and digital FGDs, assessing their potential benefits, methodological innovations, practical challenges, and ethical considerations.
METHOD: Relevant literature on virtual FGDs, AI applications, hybrid qualitative methods, and gamification strategies were systematically identified and synthesised, focusing specifically on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Reddit.
RESULTS: Digital FGDs have notably enhanced geographical accessibility, facilitating the inclusion of marginalised populations previously limited by logistical or geographical barriers. Emerging AI-driven tools such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) for automated transcription and thematic analysis, alongside sentiment analysis, have streamlined qualitative data analysis, capturing complex emotional nuances effectively. Hybrid approaches blending traditional face-to-face interactions with asynchronous online discussions, as well as gamification techniques (interactive exercises, role-playing, digital storytelling, and mobile app-based FGDs), have shown significant promise in promoting participant engagement and enriching qualitative insights. Despite these advancements, key ethical and practical challenges remain, particularly regarding informed consent, data security, power imbalances among participants, and inclusivity for those with limited digital literacy.
CONCLUSION: Virtual and digital FGDs offer considerable advantages for qualitative research, but require ongoing methodological refinement and clear ethical guidelines. Future research should prioritise developing robust ethical frameworks, addressing current limitations, and further refining digital qualitative methodologies.
Author: [‘Olawade DB’, ‘Omeni D’, ‘Gore MN’, ‘Hadi M’]
Journal: Int J Med Inform
Citation: Olawade DB, et al. Enhancing qualitative research through virtual focus groups and artificial intelligence: A review. Enhancing qualitative research through virtual focus groups and artificial intelligence: A review. 2025; 203:106004. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2025.106004