Potential impact of groupthink on the outcome of focus group discussion groupthink is a psychological observable fact that occurs within groups of people. Focus groups rely on interaction within the group based on topics that are supplied by the researcher. The unit or department at the university of arizona is conducting a program assessment under the supervision of insert responsible party, director, etc. Ideally, the focus group is conducted by a team consisting of a moderator and assistant moderator.
Key findings the main findings from data generated by the focus group discussions are summarized below. The general characteristics of the focus group are peoples involvement, a series of meetings, the. A focus group is a smallgroup discussion guided by a trained leader. Free and open discussion among the respondents results in generation of new ideas that can be very useful for decisionmaking.
Facilitator notes ensured uniformity among focus group discussions and kept each discussion on target. Important skills that a group moderator should possess 3. It is the manner of thoughts that happens when the desire for harmony in a decisionmaking group. Focus group discussion a focus group discussion fgd is a good way to gather together people from similar backgrounds or experiences to discuss a specific topic of interest. Dvhsc conducted 12 countywide focus groups in 2017. Faculty sample focus group discussion guide page 1 of 6. These characteristics are true to the flow of the discussion, but they may make it difficult for a reader to follow the text. We then make a case for using focus groups in schools and also explain when they should not be used. Insights from two decades of application in conservation article pdf available in methods in ecology and evolution 99. The questions and the manner in which the focus group is facilitated will vary based on the type of participants. The fundamental data produced by this technique are the transcrips of the group discussions and the moderators reflections and annotations.
It can negatively impact the discussion if the facilitator is stopping to write things down. This method serves to solicit participants attitudes and perceptions, knowledge and experiences, and. In a brief time the moderator must create a thoughtful, permissive atmosphere, provide ground rules. This checklist is designed to assist you with the planning and implementation of a focus group. Relocation of congolese refugees in lunda norte, angola unhcr 19, july, 2017 3 breakdown by sex and age group of focus group discussion participants. Group discussion on a topic involves sharing of learning by the participants which equally benefits all the participants. It is important to have a note taker to record the focus group feedback. A focus group is a small group discussion guided by a trained leader. A focus group lasting more than 90 minutes probably includes too many questions or topics for discussion. It is therefore difficult to ascertain when and in which context, focus.
Dos and donts of a positive focus group experience 5. The group of participants is guided by a moderator or group facilitator who introduces topics for discussion and helps the group to participate in a lively and natural discussion amongst. Focus group discussion relies on facilitators or moderators to guide the groups discussion berg, 1989. Discussing a topic with friends or classmates helps in learning the topic with perfection. A focus group discussion involves gathering people from similar backgrounds or experiences together to discuss a specific topic of interest.
A focus group discussion fgd is a good way to gather together people from similar backgrounds or experiences to discuss a specific topic of interest. Evaluation briefs no centers for disease control and. In this case, the idea is to use a small number of exploratory groups, in an initial stage of the research, to guide the construction of the topics of the interview. It helps in learning more it increases your understanding of a subject or a lesson. Focus group discussion in qualitative research new delhi. However, most schools in developing countries lack even basic water and sanitation facilities. Focus group discussion is frequently used as a qualitative approach to gain an in. A focus group is a small, but demographically diverse group of people and whose reactions are studied especially in market research or political analysis in guided or open discussions about a new product or something else to determine the reactions that can be expected from a larger population. This discussion is guided, monitored and recorded by a researcher. Many topics related to health disparities are sensitive e. Definition of a focus group focus group discussions fgds are defined as semi structured group discussions, which yield qualitative data on the community level by facilitating interaction between participants. Focus group interviewing richard krueger 4 beginning the focus group discussion the first few moments in focus group discussion are critical.
Focus group discussion is frequently used as a qualitative approach to gain an indepth understanding of social issues. Participants introduced themselves including name, organization and position. Wherever possible, there should be a focus group team. Using focus groups in schools sage publications inc. The purpose of the study is to examine insert topic of study. The shared characteristics may relate to a particular problem, livelihoods occupation, age, social group, place of residence, experience of. Some editing may increase readability, but it is important that the character of the respondentscomments be maintained, even if at times they use poor grammar or appear to be confused. It can be used as an easy guide to keep you on schedule and make sure you keep track of all of the many pieces involved in having a successful focus group. A focus group discussion fgd is a qualitative research method and data collection technique in which a selected group of people discusses a given topic or issue indepth, facilitated by a professional, external moderator.
The moderator can bring any changes in order to better facilitate the discussion during the group discussion. Part of the understanding qualitative research series. A focus group discussion or fgd is a qualitative research method in the social sciences, with a particular emphasis and application in the developmental program evaluation sphere. For supporting focus group materials such as recruitment tips, invitation email templates, consent. A focus group is a gathering of deliberately selected people who participate in a facilitated discussion intended to elicit consumer perceptions about a particular topic or area of interest. Focus group is defined as a small group of carefully selected participants who contribute in open discussions for research about a new product or a feature update or any other topic to generalize the results from this concentrated discussion to the entire population. The focus group needs to be appropriate for the type of participants in the group. Conducting focus group discussions the purpose of focus group discussions is to gain knowledge about a particular topic or need by interviewing a group of people directly affected by the issue. Evaluating the efficacy of focus group discussion fgd in qualitative social research william boateng, phd department of sociology university of saskatchewan 1019 9 campus drive, saskatoon sk. Fgds are a predetermined semistructured interview led by a skilled moderator. It is conducted in the presence of a moderator who will ensure the results are. Abstract the efficacy of focus group discussion as a qualitative data collection methodology is put on the line by.
In virtually every focus group discussion fgd, participants. The group of participants is guided by a moderator or group facilitator who introduces topics for discussion and helps the group to. Focus group discussion relies on facilitators or moderators to guide the group s discussion berg, 1989. How to conduct a successful focus group discussion atlan. The advantages of focus group discussion are as follows. A focus group methodology was selected because it was expected that the group discussion would provide richer data than individual interviews, as shared experiences and understandings encourage.
On the other hand, in research situations that are time 110 focus groups 07stewart5002. Example focus group discussion fgd session plan focus group discussion with lead firms to assess marketbased solutions time. A focus group discussion fgd is a good way to gather together people from. The first few moments in focus group discussion are critical. Icebreak after having greeted the participants, the facilitator asks them to. The purpose of the focus group, as per email communication, was repeated as a reminder. Aug 16, 2011 the ideal size group is 810 people depending on the demographic and topic being researched.
Currently, there is relatively little or no critical discussion on the merits and demerits of focus group discussion in comparison to other similar qualitative techniques. Research suggests that group discussion can cause participant attitudes to become more extreme, which could in turn result in greater unification of group opinions or polarize participants. Usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. Group discussion definition, tips, and other rules to. It is used to learn more about opinions on a designated topic, and then to guide future action. Can listen attentively with sensitivity and empathy. Less people in a group, less ideas and opinions are generated. Serves as a comprehensive guide to focus group discussions, a qualitative research methodology that involves a focus on specific issues, with a predetermined group of people, participating in an interactive discussion. The ideal size group is 810 people depending on the demographic and topic being researched. Traditionally, focus group research is a way of collecting qualitative data, whichessentially involves engaging a small number of people in an informal group discussion or discussions, focused around a particular topic or set of issues wilkinson, 2004, p. It includes information on gow to organize a focus group, and provides a list of suggested questions.
Heong the focus group discussion fgd is a rapid assessment, semi. Oct 24, 2019 usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. In a brief time the moderator must create a thoughtful, permissive atmosphere, provide ground rules, and set the tone of the discussion. Evaluating the efficacy of focus group discussion fgd in. Focus groups require selfdisclosure of information by participants, but. Unlike interviews, which usually occur with an individual, a. Group discussion definition, tips, and other rules to follow sunday, january 5th, 2020 as the exam season comes to an end and the group discussion stage usher in, we can begin our preparations for the round two by looking at some basics of the group discussion gd process. With the heterogeneity of the individuals and also the small sample size, the discussions get restricted. A focus group discussion fgd is a qualitative research method and data collection technique in which a selected group of people discusses a given topic or. Oct 01, 2012 a focus group is a form of qualitative research.
Group discussion, conducted several times until similar trends and patterns in perception, attitudes, ideas are shown. Focus group discussion overseas development institute. The vetting service from future perfect is unparallelled. Interactive performance and focus groups with adolescents. The group s composition and the group discussion should be carefully planned to create a nonthreatening environment, so that participants feel free to talk openly and give honest. This document is available from the following website address. The use of focus groups is a research method that is intended to collect data, through interactive. A qualitative framework for collecting and analyzing data.
Focus group participants should be selected based on their familiarity with a product, service or purchasing behaviors. Sample focus group discussion guide what follows is a sample focus group discussion guide that can be used to collect information from faculty about their interactions with entering students. It leads to a healthy criticism and benefits the students. Group discussion has its own ethics to be cordial and polite during the group discussion. Wash in schools monitoring package safe and childfriendly water, sanitation and hygiene wash in schools improves health, boosts education achievement, promotes gender equity and has a positive impact on communities. Group sizes can be as many as 1215 participants but requires a strong moderator to facilitate that many people. The moderator asks broad questions to elicit responses and generate discussion among. A focus group discussion is a qualitative data collection method that engages a group with shared characteristics, and is led by a trained facilitator.
A focus group discussion is a qualitative data collection method that engages 6 to 12 peoplewith shared characteristics pertinent to the specific discussion topicand is led by a trained facilitator. Guidelines for focus group discussions about hivaids this is a concise set of guidelines and sample questions for a focus group with youth about hivaids. The ideal focus group moderator has the following traits. Group discussion on study topics plays vital role in understanding the topic. The moderator stimulates discussion with comments or subjects. What is the purpose and advantages of focus group interviews. Guidelines for focus group discussions about hivaids. I explained these procedures to you when we set up this meeting. Even if the participants know what that topic is, give them a quick refresher before the discussion begins.
Focus group research focus group in qualitative research. Focus group data can be used to collect information for many purposes, such as conducting a needs assessment or evaluating a program. These discussions should be held in an environment that is nonthreatening and receptive. Pdf report on focus group discussions dfid project. Focus group discussion conclusions blora district, central java november 2009 laura paler columbia university 1 main points there is a high demand for better government in blora, but ordinary citizens do not feel empowered to bring about change. The important benefits of groupdiscussion for students are given below. It is a form of qualitative research where questions are asked about their perceptions attitudes, beliefs, opinion or ideas. The groups composition and the group discussion should be carefully planned to create a nonthreatening environment, so that participants feel free to talk openly and give honest. One person is the facilitator and the other is the note taker.
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