Now when you say you train [children] up and they will not depart, now do you mean they may leave but they’re gonna come back? Or do you mean, they are just not gonna depart period? -Local Parent

This page answers frequently asked questions about the focus groups with parents and pastors. 
For more information, contact the project office.

Why did we do this study?

To understand how parents and pastors think religion protects teenagers from risky behaviors, like drug use and sexual behavior.  Also, we wanted to build trust with the congregation leaders and parents.

What is a focus group?

A focus group is a guided discussion that focuses on a topic.  A trained facilitator guides the conversation, keeps it focused and makes sure everyone has a chance to speak.  In our study, another researcher took notes and tape recorded the discussion.  The discussion usually lasted 60-90 minutes.

Who were the participants?

We conducted focus groups at seven different congregations.  Parents of teenagers at each congregation volunteered to participate in the focus groups.  Overall, 59 parents participated.  The congregations included:

We also held three focus groups with 22 pastors and lay leaders from around the city to discuss these same issues. Participants were affiliated with the following congregations:

Did the participants get anything?

Many participants said they really enjoyed having a chance to talk with other pastors or parents of teenagers.  Also, each person was paid $20 for their time and CoCHY donate an additional $10 to the youth ministry of the congregation for every parent who participated.  Participants also received a resource list.

Were the focus group comments private?

We tape recorded each discussion and then transcribed (i.e., typed out) the audiotape.  Only the OSU research team heard the audiotape.  Once it was transcribed, we removed all names and other personal identifying information.  Then we destroyed the original tape.  Sometimes we will use quotes from the discussion to illustrate the results.  Quotes will always be anonymous and will not contain identifying information.

We asked but could not guarantee that other focus group participants not repeat what they heard during the discussion.  To do this we asked everyone to sign a focus group pledge.

What happens to the answers?

To analyze the transcripts the research team breaks each transcript into segments to identify common themes and experiences that emerged across the different discussions. Once we complete the analysis, we will present the initial results in community meetings with parents, pastors and other community leaders.  Later, we will work with parents and religious leaders to present the findings in academic journals and other media.  In presenting these results, we will use direct quotations from the focus group discussions, but no one will be able to identify the individual or congregation where the quotes originated.

Are you going to do more focus groups?

Not at this time.  If we get new grant funding, we may arrange more focus groups.