Studies using computers and Internet to collect data are still unusual in the psychological qualitative research in Brazil. There are few researches, for instance, working with focus groups conducted via Internet, instead of using the classic face-to-face model. The technique of synchronous on-line focus groups, however, is not a mere transposition of traditional focus groups to the virtual environment. Introducing this new tool in the set of research procedures modifies the qualitative method because of its special features. It is important, then, to exemplify the use of this technique, highlighting its particularities, and thus to contribute to the progress of the qualitative research in psychology. This article describes the use that was made of synchronous on-line focus groups in a qualitative research, retrieving the steps taken and reporting its specificities.
On-line focus groups; qualitative research; Internet