Methodological Discussions on the Use of Tricky Topics Technique for the Focus Group Discussions

Abstract

This paper examines the use of the Tricky Topics (TTs) technique in focus groups as a data collection method in qualitative research. This methodological study originated from a two-phase exploratory study that explored the perspectives of 23 senior Psychological Counseling and Guidance students on their online psychological counseling experiences. The data of the original study comprised indepth conversations via focus group meetings using the TTs technique. The collected data sets were analyzed through thematic analysis using MAXQDA 2022. During the data collection with the TTs technique, each participant builds on the opinions of others as they investigate and analyze the issues covered during the focus group. The experiences of the senior Psychological Counseling and Guidance program students on the use of the TTs technique indicated that using this technique helped them explore the barriers that stop them from understanding a concept in greater depth. The TTs technique encouraged and motivated participants to further explore the issues of online counseling when they observed others struggling, hesitating, and pausing to conceptualize what prevented them from being more active and effective in their practices and learning. This study suggests methodological implications for the TTs technique. When used in focus group research, the TTs technique provides participants with additional time to analyze how others reacted to the main discussion points. In this study, participants engaged in collaborative discourse and co-created practical measures to strengthen online counseling practices. These interactions resulted in the enhancement of Psychological Counseling and Guidance students’ perceptions of online counseling. This study explains the possible benefits of adopting the TTs technique in focus group interviews in terms of revealing the depth of the data. The implications of this methodology are further discussed, including how the findings could inform other studies that investigate specific concerns within a profession.