A Qualitative Approach for Assessing Receptivity to Federal Housing Initiatives: The Focus Group Technique

This paper examines the use of a qualitative research method, the focus group technique, as an option for obtaining perceptual data. Potential HOPE 3 program participants were engaged in a focus group setting to determine the feasibility of this major housing initiative for homeownership. The basics of qualitative research in general, the results obtainable from the use of qualitative research, the process involved in utilizing the focus group technique, and the methodology and results of an actual session using the focus group technique are presented. The information collected is presented expressly to illustrate the focus group technique, which allows possible controversial topics to be discussed in an open and positive manner. The scenario also provides confidentiality for the sponsoring agencies, organizations, and participating households. The focus group technique proved to be an excellent technique for assessing attitudes, preferences, and housing needs in a community that traditionally has had poor participant response to requests for public input. The focus group session presented opportunities to increase the understanding of programmatic conflicts, gain feedback from first-time users of new initiatives, further outreach efforts, and assess potential conflicts that might arise in the implementation process of the HOPE 3 program.