Training Workshop on How to Conduct Effective Focus Group

Discussions

Facilitators’ Training- PATH Team

7 December 2011

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Overview of Presentation

• What is a Focus Group Discussion (FGD)

• How to carry out a FGD

• What are the key skills required to conduct a FGD effectively

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Lets identify which of these is an FGD…

Interview Survey Administering interview Schedule

Self filled questionnaires

Addressing the community

Training the community

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What is a Focus Group Discussion (FGD)

• WHAT- A research tool, A qualitative method

• WHY - to obtain in-depth information on concepts, perceptions and ideas of a group on a particular issue

• WHO FACILITATES- Guided by a facilitator and a co-facilitator

• WHO PARTICIPATES - Consists of approximately 8 - 15 participants

• CONTENT - Group members talk freely and spontaneously about a certain topic

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When are FGDs Appropriate?When we want to:

• Explore the depth and nuances of opinions regarding an issue

• Understand different perspectives- before implementation of a program/ strategy

• Recognize factors which influence opinions or behavior

• Test materials or products/ pilot a scheme or program

• Gauge reactions to actual or proposed services – after implementation of a program

• Design a large study or understand its results

• Capture opinions and perspectives of a program’s target audience

• Learn about participants by observing their interactions

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Focus Group Discussions might not be the apt tool when:

• Need individiual/personal information

• Need statistical information about an entire population

• Working with emotionally or politically charged groups

• Can’t ensure confidentiality

• Want people to come to a consensus, rather than seek viewpoints

• Do not have the skills to collect/analyze the data

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Key steps of an FGD

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Ia. Planning a FGD

A. PRE-PLANNING

• Develop a few questions around the theme/ refer to the facilitator’s guide

• Plan the session with co-facilitators

• Through home visits/ community influencers inform participants on the proposed agenda, session and time

• Preferably remind participants about the meeting a day before

B. SCHEDULING

• Plan meetings for around 2 hours

• Jointly decide on mutually convenient timings with the community

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Ia. Planning a FGDContd.

C. PARTICIPANTS

• Focus groups are usually conducted with 8-15 members

• Participants have some homogeneity e.g. similar age group, status in a program etc.

• Select participants who are likely to be participative and reflective

• Attempt to select members who don't know each other (So that influence of perspectives could be avoided, if possible)

D. PHYSICAL SETTING

• Hold sessions in a private and convenient place- room or courtyard

• Ideally a circular seating arrangement so that all members can see each

other

• Provide refreshments

• Inform the participants where the water bathroom is

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Ib. Preparations for a FGD• Stick to the facilitation guide

• In addition to taking notes, tape record the discussion and transcribe it

• Check the tape recorder before and immediately after each session—if it did not work, do an immediate debrief

• Carry your notebooks and pen/pencils

• Be ready for unexpected problems- find alternate solutions

• Anticipate running out of time –think about what you would do to modify the agenda

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II. Conducting FGDsA. SETTING THE GROUND RULES

• Mutual respect for the other person’s opinion • No preconceived notion• Patient listener• Cell phone norms

B. AGENDA SETTING

• Welcome • Sharing of the agenda • Rapport building • Conducting the FGD • Handling conflict, queries • Review goal of the meeting• Wrap up

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II. Conducting FGDsContd.

• Note the body language/non –verbal expressions of the participants. Often they might give very strong messages

• After each question is answered, carefully reflect back a summary of what you heard (the note taker can do this)

• Check intermittently whether the tape recorder is functioning

• Take down verbatim quotes with reference

• Ensure even participation- If one or two participants are dominating the meeting ensure others get a chance to express

• Use probes when you need more information

• Would you explain further?

• Would you give me an example of what you mean?

• Would you say more?

• Please describe what you mean.

• Has anyone had a different experience?

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Some skills required to facilitate FGDs effectively

• Carefully word each question before addressing the group

• Don’t ask more than one question at a time

• Assure the participants that you value their opinions and that the focus group facilitator and other staff have come to learn from them

• Reinforce confidentiality

• Avoid “leading” participants – to get more clarity use probing questions

• Repeat key phrases at strategic times and ask participants to link their response to key terms

• Be comfortable with silence and “pregnant pauses.”

• Prepare verbatim notes

• Debrief

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III. Wrapping up and Post FGD

• Closing the session – Thank the participants for coming, and adjourn the meeting

• Reiterate the importance of the information collected and how it would be valuable to them and other communities

• Verify if the tape recorder, if used, worked throughout the session (this should be done intermittently as well)

• Make any remarks on your written notes, e.g., to clarify any scratching, ensure pages are numbered, who said what etc.

• Elaborate notes wherever necessary

• Write down any observations made during the session. For example, where did the session occur and when, what was the nature of participation in the group? Were there any surprises during the session? Overall responses of participants? Did the tape recorder stop working?

Thank You