Which disadvantage is associated with focus groups?

Focus groups are a qualitative research method designed to gather in-depth insights by engaging a diverse group of individuals in discussions about specific topics. One of the notable disadvantages of focus groups is that participants may not feel comfortable expressing their true opinions, especially if they hold views that are contrary to those of the majority in the group. This discomfort can stem from social pressures, fear of judgment, or the desire to conform to what others are saying. As a result, the richness and authenticity of the data collected can be compromised, leading to a less accurate representation of individuals' beliefs or feelings.

In contrast, the incorrect options highlight other aspects of focus groups that do not align with this particular disadvantage. While generalizability is a concern since focus group findings may not apply broadly to the entire population, this is not what makes participants uncomfortable. The need for large samples for accuracy is not typically associated with focus groups, as they often rely on smaller, more targeted groups to facilitate discussion. Additionally, while focus groups can be time-consuming to organize, this is not a direct reflection of the participants' comfort levels during discussion.