effectiveness of the focus group can be maximized if the size of the group can be kept to 6 to 8 people ● Site selection and equipment. Assuming a group of 8 to 10, a small meeting room away from potential distractions, such as a noisy hallway or lunchroom, is preferred. You also may want an available blackboard or flip chart for recording key comments or ideas during the session. It is recommended to record the focus group sessions so that the full dialogue, as well as major points offered by the participants, will be captured. Tips for Managing the Focus Group The key to conducting successful focus group sessions can be traced to effective group management. Your role is to present stimulating questions for the group to discuss. You may want to write ideas and comments on a flipchart to stimulate discussion and record information. Once you present a question to the group, it is important to step back and allow the discussion to progress with only a minimal amount of interruption on your part. However, there are some important tips for you to consider as you seek to foster a successful discussion among the participants: ● Allow periods of silence ● Avoid asking questions that seem to suggest a correct answer ● Try not to let personalities dominate the discussion ● encourage input by those who are less inclined to speak out on the questions being discussed; ● make every effort to practice good listening skills Conducting the Focus Group Session There are three key phases for the focus group interview: 1. Setting the stage for discussion (i.e. purpose and ground rules) 2. Conducting the discussion 3. Tying up loose ends Read more at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/PD/PD03600.pdf Semi-Structured Interviews In some cases, the logistics of conducting focus groups does not make it the most feasible option. In those cases, semi-structured individual interviews are an option. Many of the tenets of focus groups remain the same but the need to manage group dynamics is not an issue. To read more about using semi-structured interviews as an alternative, check out the resources below: Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation
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