Focus groups in qualitative research are primarily used for what purpose?

Focus groups in qualitative research are primarily utilized for gathering insights through moderated discussions. This methodology involves bringing together a small group of participants to discuss specific topics or ideas in an interactive setting, guided by a facilitator. The primary objective is to explore participants' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors regarding a particular subject, allowing for a deep understanding of their perspectives.

The interaction among participants often sparks a dynamic conversation, leading to unexpected insights and nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. This setting encourages participants to elaborate on their views and share experiences, which can uncover underlying motivations and attitudes that may not be accessible through more structured methods like surveys or interviews.

The other answer choices do not accurately reflect the focus or purpose of focus groups. Conducting surveys involves different methodologies not conducive to the interactive dialogue emphasized in focus groups, and analyzing quantitative data sets and establishing statistical relationships pertain to quantitative research techniques rather than the qualitative insights sought in focus group discussions.