In one of the research papers published (Horan, Abhichandani- Journal of Information Technology Management) a signifcant section of the study's results was related to focus groups. The purpose behind the focus groups were to help researchers understand why participants answered the way they did in their survey instrument. A useful part of this section of their paper was not only citiing the good and bad parts to the focus groups, but also describing their group and intent in the begining. Solid research and sourcing was included in this 'focus group' section of the paper and was excellent in introducing readers to whay the results were significant.

In this paper, the researchers conducted an online survey asking citizens who used specific transporation websites to participate. After citizens filled out these surveys (both in Los Angeles and Minnesota) the results were tallied and analyzed in the EGOVSAT frameowrk descibed throughout this paper. However, once that information was visible, Horan and Abhichandani went one step further and tried to understand the rationale behind the user's answers. The real power in this paper seemed to be the actual comments relayed by citizens in the focus group. That is, after the reader read the results and their context within EGOVSAT, the direct quotes listed in the 'focu group' section really made this data come to life.

This paper really is a worth reading. If nothing else, the influence and power that focus groups seem to have on data is incredible. Having read this, it seems like a qualitative analysis such as focus groups really give meaning and credibility to research which involves most any kind of sociotechnical system. To simply select 1 of 5 choices in a survey may give a good overall idea of what is happening with a certain system, technology, gellings therein, etc. However, when the people are able to explain why they made such choices you really begin to uderstand your own research better.