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Focus Groups

Focus Groups. A Focus Group Is . . . What A carefully planned discussion To obtain perceptions of a defined interest area. A Focus Group Is . . . Where In a permissive, non-threatening environment . A Focus Group Is . . . Who Approximately seven to ten people

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Focus Groups

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  1. Focus Groups

  2. A Focus Group Is . . . What • A carefully planned discussion • To obtain perceptions of a defined interest area Program Development & Evaluation

  3. A Focus Group Is . . . Where • In a permissive, non-threatening environment Program Development & Evaluation

  4. A Focus Group Is . . . Who • Approximately seven to ten people • With common characteristics relating to discussion topic Program Development & Evaluation

  5. A Focus Group Is . . . How • Conducted by a trained interviewer (moderator, facilitator). • Three focus groups are the minimum for a study Program Development & Evaluation

  6. Why Do Focus Groups? • To collect qualitative data • To determine feelings, perceptions and manner of thinking of participants regarding products, services, programs or opportunities • Attitudes and perceptions are developed in part by interaction with other people • To promote self-disclosure among participants • It's dangerous to take "customers" for granted Program Development & Evaluation

  7. When to ConductFocus Groups • Before a program begins, during a program or after a program ends • Focus groups are effective when • People have something to share (motivations) • The goal is to understand human behavior • Focus groups are not effective when • People are divided or angry • The goal is to gather factual information • Organization is trying to improve its image Program Development & Evaluation

  8. Selecting Participants • Participants are similar • General selection rules: • Set exact specification • Maintain control of the selection process • Use the resources of the sponsoring organization in recruiting • Beware of bias • Develop a pool of eligible participants and then randomly select Program Development & Evaluation

  9. Selection Strategies List Piggyback On location Nominations Random phone screening Ads in newspapers and bulletin boards Program Development & Evaluation

  10. Incentives for Participants • Money ($20-$50) • Food • Gifts • Positive, upbeat invitation Program Development & Evaluation

  11. Systematic Notification Procedures • Set meeting times for interviews • Contact potential participants by phone or in person (2 weeks before meeting time) • Send a personalized invitation • Phone (or contact) each person the day before the focus group Program Development & Evaluation

  12. Moderator Skills • Is mentally prepared • Selects appropriate location • Records the discussion • Uses purposeful small talk • Has a smooth & snappy introduction • Uses pauses and probes • Uses subtle group control • Controls reactions to participants • Selects the right moderator • Uses an assistant moderator • Uses appropriate conclusion Program Development & Evaluation

  13. Beginning the Focus Group Discussion • The first few moments in focus group discussion are critical. • Create a thoughtful, permissive atmosphere • Provide the ground rules • Set the tone • Recommended introduction pattern: • Welcome • Overview and topic • Ground rules • First question Program Development & Evaluation

  14. Asking Questions That Yield Powerful Information • Use open-ended questions • Avoid dichotomous questions • "Why?" is rarely asked • Use "think back" questions • Carefully prepare focus questions • Ask uncued questions first, cued questions second • Consider standardized questions Program Development & Evaluation

  15. Ending Questions • Summary question "Is this an adequate summary?" • All things considered question Ask participants to reflect on the entire discussion and then offer their positions or opinions • Final question "Have we missed anything? Program Development & Evaluation

  16. Systematic Analysis Process • Start while still in the group • Immediately after the focus group • Soon after the focus group--within hours analyze individual focus group • Later--within days analyze the series of focus groups • Finally, prepare the report Program Development & Evaluation

  17. Focus Group Analysis Tips When analyzing focus group data, consider… • Words • Context • Internal consistency • Frequency or extensiveness of comments • Intensity of the comments • Specificity of responses • Find the big ideas Program Development & Evaluation

  18. Reporting Focus Group Results • Use a communications strategy • Use an appropriate reporting style that the client finds helpful and meets expectations • Strive for enlightenment • Make points memorable • Use narrative or bulleted format • Give thought to the oral report Program Development & Evaluation

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