Table of Contents

Introduction

Using Focus Groups

What Is a Focus Group?
Why Use a Focus Group?
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data
When to Use a Focus Group

Organizing a Focus Group

What Questions Will Best Suit the Purpose of the Focus Group?
Who Will Lead the Focus Group Discussion?
How Many Focus Group Sessions Should I Hold?
Who Should I Invite to Participate? How Many People Should Attend?
How Can I Ensure That All Participants Will Feel Welcome and
Comfortable?
Should I Set Ground Rules?
How Will I Keep a Record of What Is Discussed?
What Supplies Do I Need for a Focus Group?
What Ethical Issues Are Involved?
Should I Prepare a Guide for the Facilitator?

Conducting a Focus Group

Preparing for the Discussion
Leading the Discussion
Closing the Discussion
Dealing with Challenges or Problems

Following a Focus Group

Evaluating Information
What to Include in the Final Report

How to Use an Evaluation Effectively

Resources

References