Individual interviews and focus group discussions form the foundation of most qualitative research and evaluation activities. The authors provide an empirical comparison of cost and time required to reach data saturation using the two methods, based on actual expenditures from parallel interview and focus group datasets generated through random allocation of participants. Interviews were more cost-effective in most contexts.
Evaluating bang for the buck: A cost-effectiveness comparison between individual interviews and focus groups based on thematic saturation levels
Written By
Namey E, Guest G, McKenna K, Chen M
