Planning focus groups
Abstract
Focus groups are a way of gathering information through open discussion. These meetings can be used to gather new ideas from community members, gain a better understanding of stakeholders' needs and gather feedback. This practice suggests tips for planning and conducting a focus group. Sample questionnaires are included. Excerpted from the Corporation for National and Community Service's Handbook for Continuous Improvement.Issue
As programs continually assess ways to better meet community needs, focus groups are a way to generate stimulating discussions among stakeholders, gain valuable feedback on particular issues, and build commitment to the program by actively involving individuals.Action
- Decide what information you want to have by the end of the focus group(s).
- Outline a list of questions, keeping in mind whom your focus group attendees are and where they will be most able to contribute.
- Recruit an experienced facilitator to help guide the group discussion.
- Identify your target attendees for the focus group(s). They should involve people with different perspectives on, or experiences with, the topic being discussed.
- Determine how you will structure your focus group meeting(s).
- Set a time and place for the meeting, and be sure to schedule breaks during sessions that last longer than an hour.
- Keep your agenda flexible to allow for everyone to discuss their ideas.
- Use a flip chart to note ideas during the session.
- Devise a follow-up system to thank attendees and keep them involved.
Citation
Corporation for National and Community Service. Handbook for Continuous Improvement, "Tools and Practices, Focus Group." pp. 1-4.Outcome
Focus groups inspire stimulating discussions and provide valuable insights due to the relaxed format and the variety of perspectives represented in the group, while building commitment to the program by actively involving individuals in improving program effectiveness.Posted On
February 23, 2001Resources
From The Resource Center library:
Handbook for Continuous Improvement
Item number: R0118
Do-It-Yourself Focus Groups: A Low-Cost Way to Listen to Your Community
Item number: 1827
Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research
Item number: 488