Focus Group Discussion :

A Tool for collecting information

Dr.T.Vijaya Kumar

Associate Professor,CHRD

NIRDPR

Focus Group Discussion is a way to gather information from group of people

through discussion on a specific topic of interest.

The group of participants is guided by a moderator who introduces topic for

discussion.

Focus Group Discussion is a method to employ prior to designing questionna

ires.

What is Focus Group Discussion?

Focus Groups provide insights into how people think and provide a deeper

understanding of the phenomena being studied.

A method to gain more in-depth information to supplement surveys; conducting

interviews.

Focus groups are group interviews that give the researcher the ability to capture

deeper information more economically.

Why Focus Groups?

Group interaction and non-verbal communication are primary benefits of

focus groups.

A skilled facilitator can encourage these group interactions to capture this dat

a to provide a more comprehensive understanding of what is being studied.

Non-verbal communication is also data that can be captured in focus groups.

Stage 1: Purpose

Stage 2: Methodology

Stage 3: Facilitation

Stage 4: Analysis

Stage 5: Reporting

Five- stage process for conducting

focus groups

Stage 1: Purpose

The first stage is to define the purpose.

Purposes for a focus group include:

Exploration: Finding out about an issue of importance from the ta

rget population.

Program Development: Asking members of the target population

what types of activities they would enjoy.

Systematic Procedures: Collecting in-depth data on specific

questions.

Evaluation: Collecting in-depth data on specific questions to dete

rmine the activity.

The Methodology stage has two elements:

Conceptualization

Logistics

Stage 2: Methodology

Conceptualization Once the study purpose has been defined

The study population and sample have to be defined.

The population represents the individuals that are to be analyzed.

Sample is a subset of the population.

Focus groups generally utilize convenience sampling.

The sample for focus group has individuals with characteristics of

the overall population.

The size of the FG should be 7-12 for more effectiveness.

The logistics often take 6-8 weeks prior to the actual focus group

as it is important to be engaged in a thoughtful process.

Selecting the facilitator is important – A good facilitator has the

ability to guide discussion and allow the participants to express

their views on the topic.

A poor facilitator dominates the discussion and does not

encourage participation of the others

The script is a guide for the facilitators to explain to individuals

the purpose of the group.

It is also important to organize the materials early.

Logistics

Facilitator can procedures through script by first opening the session.

Proceed through the questions.

Close the session.

Facilitation Tips:

Pause

Probe

Reflect

Stage 3: Facilitation

One person talking at a time

Cell phones off

Confidentiality

Tip

Focus Group Rules

Stage 4:Analysis

It should begin immediately after

focus group closure.

Note taking and summarization of

the discussion is very important.

For every focus group discussion

summarize the theme.

Create a concept map.

Theme 1

Theme 2

Theme 3

Question

Topics

Reporting stage is coherent whole of the focus group discussion.

Decide the style

Decide the sequence

Participant information

Utilize quotes from focus groups

Summarize

Stage 5: Reporting

Situation

Situation

Could you please describe the current sanitation situation in this area?

[Very open question, try and get a good feel of the situation]

What types of toilets are being used? Who has a toilet? Are they work

ing?

What are the main problems regarding defecation? In general?

What does it mean to you to have / not have a toilet?

Model Focus Group Questions

What kind of investments in sanitation are being made and why/why

not?

How could your household contribute to improve the sanitation

situation?

Could you explain us how hand-washing is being practiced in your

households?

How often and what type of facilities are being used? Where are they?

How about using soap?

What would you like to learn (more) on hygienic practices or toilets?

Who should hold such a training?

DO’s DON’Ts

Open the session with a fun, non-threat

ening, open-ended question

Read the script questions verbatim; this

may come across too stiff and formal.

Pay attention to non-verbal signals Finish people’s sentences or make ass

umptions about what is being said by

someone

Ask open-ended questions, one at a tim

e. Probe when a response is unclear.

Allow one or two people to dominate or

to use the focus group for their own

agenda

DO’S

Balance participation by asking, “Who

else has something to say?” or “I would

like to hear more from…”

DON'TS

Permit side discussion; this can

distract others from the main

discussion.

Redirect the discussion Take sides or challenge what is

being said; remain impartial.

Record the participants’ actual words as

much as possible.

Share your own opinions (verbally

or non-verbally).

Favour one participant over the

others.

Check with participants that you

understand what they are saying

Use jargon or technical terms.

Thank You