Application of questionnaires for scientific research through structured interviewing methods for different focus groups

• Grant number: 17/24187-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2018
• End date: December 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Urban and Regional Planning - Methods and Techniques of Urban and Regional Planning
• Principal Investigator: Andrea Ferraz Young
• Grantee: Camila Cristina de Oliveira Silva
• Host Institution: Centro Nacional de Monitoramento e Alertas de Desastres Nacionais (CEMADEN). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). Cachoeira Paulista , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/24099-1 - Climate change adaptation by linear park design: regeneration project as a tool for prevention of environmental disasters, AP.JP

Abstract

This work is linked to the FAPESP Process 2015/24099-1, aiming to support the data collection and the evaluation of public opinion on the linear parks implementation as measures to climate change adaptation. The objective of this work is the development of questions for the accomplishment of the research through the method called "structured interview for distinct focus groups". A focus group is a group involved in a discussion relevant to a project on a specific theme organized for research purposes. This discussion is usually guided, monitored, and recorded by a researcher (sometimes called a moderator). Focus groups were first used as a research method in market research, originating in the 1940s in the work of the Bureau of Applied Social Research at Columbia University. However, it is an essential activity that can be applied in any area or professional activity, because it is important to recognize the potentialities and obstacles along the way to better understand the levels of implementation difficulty and to seek alternatives. Typically, this methodology is an indicated resource when it involves the prospect of information about distinct opinions, expectations and perceptions. In this sense, it is necessary to explore the visions, experiences, beliefs and motivations of individuals, always considering that the information collected constitutes a version on the events (or facts). This task of identifying expectations and social commitments in relation to the implementation of urban projects is fundamental for the establishment of planning and management strategies. The interviews are essentially structured through a list of predetermined questions, which are carried out with little (or no) variation, which means, no margin for answers that justify complex elaborations. Consequently, these should be specific questions, relatively quick and easy to manage over time (maximum 25 minutes per interview). If necessary, they should be articulated with questions of clarification, when there are problems related to difficulties of understanding. The objective of the interview is to facilitate the recognition of problems, opportunities and conflicts in the study area, allowing the comprehension of aspects related to the social phenomena normally present in the narratives (historical and daily) on the local context. The advantage of using the structured interview method is that we can do the application of questionnaires based on theories and hypotheses of research. It is expected that the outcomes may reveal qualitative insights on issues related to the adaptation process, in this case more specifically, on the possible motivations and commitments in relation to the transformation of green spaces in the urban areas. (AU)