Benue State University, Makurdi

THE CHALLENGES OF USING FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION METHOD IN SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH: CASE STUDY OF LIBYAN RETURNEES IN BENIN CITY (2016 – 2018)

Eddy Akpomera & Efehi Raymond Okoro
Department of Political Science,
University of Benin,
Benin City.

Abstract

This study attempted to address the experiential challenges that may accompany the use of Focus Group Discussion method, using Libyan Returnees in Benin City, as a case study. The reason for choosing Libyan returnees for this study was informed by the characterisation of Benin City as a major hub for irregular migrants setting off from Nigeria to other countries. Qualitatively designed, the researcher conducted three focus group discussions in Benin City in the month of August 2019. Based on the data gathered from these group discussions, it was found that identifying and accessing Libyan returnees in Benin City for a focus group discussion was difficult because Libyan returnees do not have any form of identification that distinguished them from other Benin City inhabitants. Besides, there were some level of suspicion amongst members of the group as a result of their experiences in Libya and other locations outside the country, and that challenge could deflate the quality and amount of information. The paper recommended that there was need for the appropriate use of FGD method to investigate less sensitive topics that would encourage participants to freely express their views. Second, focus group discussion method should be deployed along with at least one other method of gathering data questionnaire, interview or observation – for a research exercise, so as to mitigate the negative effects of non-response from participants on similar studies.

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