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FOCUS |
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FOCUS (Thomas and Shaw,
1976) was the first interactive grid
elicitation-analysis computer programme.
From an analytic perspective it essentially performed two functions. It
carried out a hierarchical cluster analysis
of
constructs and a similar analysis of elements. It also re-arranged the
data
in the grid to ‘focus’ on the similarities and distances. The method of
clustering used, single-linkage, while not usually regarded as an ideal
method of clustering because of its tendency to produce straggly
clusters,
was ideal for the rearrangement aspect of the grid as it ensured that
neighbouring
elements (or constructs) were most alike. The analysis and elicitation
was
integrated, in that as constructs were added, they were evaluated and
the
respondent could take this evaluation into account in proceeding
through
the elicitation. An excellent account of FOCUS can be found in Shaw and
Thomas
(1978). FOCUS
is incorporated in REPGRID, WEBGRID, and FLEXIGRID. |
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References
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- Shaw,
M. L., & Thomas, L. F. (1978) FOCUS on education: An interactive
computer system for the development and analysis of repertory grids, International
Journal of Man-Machine Studies, 10, 139-173.
- Thomas,
L.F. and Shaw, M.L.G. (1976) FOCUS Manual. Centre for
Study of Human Learning, Brunel University.
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Richard C. Bell
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