Second Life as a research environment : avatar-based focus groups (AFG)

Gadalla, Eman Tawfik and Abosag, Ibrahim and Keeling, Kathy (2016) Second Life as a research environment : avatar-based focus groups (AFG). Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, 19 (1). pp. 101-114. ISSN 1352-2752

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Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine the nature and the potential use of avatar-based focus groups (AFGs) (i.e. focus groups conducted in three-dimensional [3D] virtual worlds [VWs]) as compared to face-to-face and online focus groups (OFGs), motivated by the ability of VWs to stimulate the realism of physical places. Over the past decade, there has been a rapid increase in using 3D VWs as a research tool. Design/methodology/approach – Using a two-phase reflective approach, data were collected first by using traditional face-to-face focus groups, followed by AFGs. In Phase 2, an online, semi-structured survey provided comparison data and experiences in AFGs, two-dimensional OFGs and traditional face-to-face focus groups. Findings – The findings identify the advantages and disadvantages of AFGs for marketing research. There is no evident difference in data quality between the results of AFGs and face-to-face focus groups. AFG compensates for some of the serious limitations associated with OFGs. Practical implications – The paper reflects on three issues, data quality, conduct of AFGs (including the moderator reflection) and participant experience, that together inform one’s understanding of the characteristics, advantages and limitations of AFG. Originality/value – This is the first paper to compare between AFGs, traditional face-to-face focus groups and OFGs. AFG holds many advantages over OFGs and even, sometimes, over face-to-face focus groups, providing a suitable environment for researchers to collect data.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal
Additional Information:
This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1400/1406
Subjects:
?? 3d virtual wordsavatar-based focus groupssecond-lifetraditional face-to-face focus groupsmarketingcontributions to practice ??
ID Code:
81053
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
03 Oct 2016 08:38
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
26 Jan 2024 01:19