Comparing Online and Offline Focus Groups: A Study on Outcomes, Interaction, and Trustworthiness

Introduction (Context/Justification)
Online data collection has become increasingly common, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers emphasize advantages such as cost and time efficiency and access to geographically dispersed participants. While equivalency of quantitative data collected online and offline is well established, less attention has been given to the comparability of qualitative data. This study addresses this gap by examining the quality of data generated in offline and online focus groups.

Goals and Methods (Research design, data collection, and analysis techniques/instruments)
We conducted a pre-planned experimental study with block-randomized allocation of participants to online or offline focus groups (4–8 participants). Discussions addressed two topics: the inner world of school-aged children and the usability of a stress-reduction intervention for college students. Offline sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and online sessions were transcribed automatically. Ethics approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured. Analysis will be threefold:
(1) a comparison of quantitative transcript metrics (e.g., word counts, speaking balance, interruptions, rubric-based quality scores);
(2) a thematic coding of the transcripts of the online and offline sessions, using inductive and deductive approaches.

(3) comparison of interactional features (e.g. turn-taking) and overall data quality, assessed with trustworthiness criteria (credibility, dependability, confirmability).

Results (Obtained or expected)

Thematic analysis is currently ongoing. Preliminary observations indicate both overlap and divergence in themes across formats, with some mode-specific interactional patterns emerging. Full comparative metrics will be reported once analysis is complete

Conclusions
This study systematically compares online and offline focus groups to evaluate the trustworthiness of online qualitative inquiry. Findings will advance methodological understanding and provide practical guidance for researchers choosing between formats.