Guide by Citizens’ advice.
Working out some thoughts on Focus groups- Used to explore ideas and also confirm them, or achieve a combination of the two.
- Understand how a group perceives a problem.
- Identify areas where there is a need for action (if immediate or not).
- Gather feedback and opinions on a new idea for the job.
Understanding the different types of focus groups;
1. Constructed focus group – time: 1-2 hours, min 8 participants.
2. Ready-made groups – Groups of friends, commonalities and interests.
3. Structured workshops: solve problems, generate ideas, explore detailed ideas, 15-20 people.
Planning your focus group! - The purpose of your data: The questions you ask during the focus group.
- Subject matter and Sensitive issues: Critical issues affecting the community.
- Selecting the participants: Share an identifiable key criteria (TECHNICIANS).
- Group size and focus group size and location: manageable, convenient and responsive.
TEAM
1. Researcher
2. Moderator
3. Note Taker
Research job role:
- build trust amongst the group and secure their buy-in
- keep participants focused, engaged and attentive
- obtain the participants’ consent
- ensure the participants feel safe and comfortable in sharing their views and experiences
- set out some ground rules at the start of the session
- set the scene and explain the purpose of the session
- be willing to listen and encourage participation from all the group members
- be flexible, but ensure that the group is generally on time and focused on the topics
- challenge and support participants (for example in the event of breakaway conversations)
- use prompts and probes to identify underlying beliefs, reasoning and experience