Maldives National Journal of Research

The Maldives National Journal of Research (MNJR) is a research journal of the Maldives National University published by the Postgraduate Research Centre. MNJR is a multidisciplinary journal of research in all disciplines relevant to the Maldives. Although in the coming years, it is expected that this journal will evolve into specialist journals in various disciplines, the first one is generalist in nature. The journal publishes research articles, literature reviews, book reviews, comments, opinion and perspectives.

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Author: search.filters.author.Musthafa, Hawwa ShiunaSubject: search.filters.subject.Google Meet

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    Virtual focus group discussions : exploring new frontiers in qualitative methods
    (The Maldives National Journal of Research, Maldives National University, 2022-07) Musthafa, Hawwa Shiuna; Moosa, Sheena; Hassan, Aishath
    The COVID-19 pandemic triggered reactive innovation using digital technology in research methods. This paper presents experiences from the methodological component of conducting virtual focus group discussions among the highly dispersed island nation of the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of 99 participants divided among 28 virtual focus groups. The most populated regions of the Maldives i.e., Male’, Addu, Laamu, and Kulhuduffushi were selected. Additionally, two smaller islands with a population less than 400 people, namely, Rasgatheem and Madifushi, were also selected. The focus groups were determined by adopting a life cycle approach representing groups from childhood, youth, working age group, and senior citizens. To ensure inclusivity, three separate groups of men, women, and people with disabilities were also selected. The data collected was then subjected to thematic analysis. The findings indicated that with open discussions and engagement, facilitators were able to draw out shy participants and manage dominant participants in the Virtual Focus Group Discussion (VFGD). The caveat, however, is the need for internet connectivity and digital literacy of participants. The findings provided an in-depth understanding of the research problem. VFGD can become a mainstream data collection technique in the social qualitative inquiry especially with difficult-to-access and remote populations.
Those using material that appeared in MNJR for noncommercial use are welcome to copy, distribute, transmit and adapt the work — at no cost and without permission — as long as they attribute the work to the original source. Those who wish to use material appearing in MNJR for commercial use must obtain written permission from MNJR.