Focus Group Discussion

A rapid assessment, semi-structured data gathering method in which a purposively selected set of participants gather to discuss a list of issues.

A “carefully planned discussion designed to obtain perceptions in a defined area of interest in a permissive, non-threatening environment” (Krueger, 1988).

Focus group discussion

Why conduct focus groups?1. To obtain background info on a specific topic

2. To determine feelings, perceptions and experience of people regarding products, services, programs, or opportunities

3. To formulate appropriate questions for more structured, larger scale surveys or for baseline

4. To help understand and solve unexpected problems in interventions

5. To develop appropriate messages

6. To explore controversial topics

7. To evaluate a project

When to conduct focus groups?

• Before a project begins, during, or after a project ends

• Focus groups are effective when- participants have something to share- the goal is to understand human behavior

Advantages of FGD• Produces a lot of information far more quickly and at

less cost than individual interviews

• Usually well accepted by the community and the less literate – a natural form of communication

Limitations of FGD• Can indicate a range of views and opinions, but not

their distribution.

• Have limited value in exploring complex beliefs of individuals

FGD Team

• Facilitator• Rapporteur• Participants (8-10)

Not too large to be unwieldy or too small to fail to provide substantial information.

FGD Guide

1. Specify objectives and information needs of FGD.

2. Break down major topics into discussion points. (5-6)

3. Prepare probe questions – how do you feel, what do you think about…, what do you like best, can you tell me more about, how does that relate to…, Mr. X said this….how about you

Logistical arrangementsLogistical arrangements1. Invitations2. Group composition3. Transport4. Venue 5. Seating arrangements6. Timing7. Recording8. Refreshments

VenueVenue- A neutral place where participants can talk openly.school buildingshealth and community centerschurchesfarmer’s house

Guidelines in group selection Guidelines in group selection and compositionand composition

1. Optimal number ranges from 8 to 10

2. Group members should be representative of the target population.

3. Consider these characteristics in selecting participants:

sexincome leveleducational levellevel of expertise in topic area

Qualities of an FGD facilitator• Familiar with the topic

• Can speak the local language

• Culturally sensitive

• Sensitive to men and women

• Polite

• Listens & thinks at the same time

• Does not play “expert”

• Good time management

Beginning the FGD1. After a brief introduction, explain briefly the purpose

and scope of the discussion.

- to relax participants

- to establish ground rules - i.e., time allocation and that everyone will be given an opportunity to express his/her opinions

- begin developing rapport with participants

2. Ask participants to give their names.

3. Start the discussion, focusing on the key themes prepared in advance.

Conducting the FGD4. During the discussion, give all participants the

opportunity to participate – one by one.

5. Use a variety of moderating tactics to facilitate the group discussion.

- Stimulate the participants to talk to each other, not necessarily to the moderator.

- Encourage shy participants to speak.

- Discourage dominant participants through verbal & nonverbal cues

Moderating tactics- call on other participants

- politely intervene by saying, “Maybe we can discuss that in another occasion...”

- look in another direction

- take advantage of a pause and suggest that the subject can be discussed in detail in another session

- limit session to 1-1.5 hours

Conducting the FGD

Conducting the FGDRapporteur/Recorder (tape recording, note taking)

• Date, time, place

• Names and general characteristics of participants

• Gen description of how the session transpired

• Opinions of participants especially key statements

• Emotional aspects

• Vocabulary used

• Spontaneous relevant discussions during breaks or after the session

* Assist facilitator - missed comments, topics

Conducting the FGD6. At the end,

Summarize main issues brought up.

Check whether there is consensus among participants on issues.

Ask for additional comments.

Thank participants by letting them know how valuable the ideas they contributed.

7. After the FGD session, listen for additional candid comments & spontaneous discussions

Analysis and Report Writing Processing & analysis

Facilitator & recorder should complete notes taken/transcribe, summarize findings per topic (you may use a diagram)

Report writing

Describe purpose of the FGD, selection & composition of the group/s, and the group process.

Present your findings following list of topics and guided by the FGD objectives.

Include quotations if possible, especially for key statements.

FGD Analysis TipsWhen analyzing focus group data, consider …• Words

• Context

• Frequency of occurrence of comments

• Intensity of comments

• Specificity of responses

• Recurrent themes

Suggested FGD Guide formatDate and Location___________________

FGD Team ________________________

1. Purpose of the FGD (approx time):

2. Introduction of Participants and Facilitators (approx time):

3. Discussion Themes

Theme 1: (approx time)

Guide questions:

Remarks:

Theme 2: (approx time)

Guide questions:

Sample FGD questionsSample FGD questions1. What effects do pesticides and fertilizers have on:

drinking water? air quality? food (vegetables, fish)? aquatic animals? domestic animals? natural enemies? wild life (like birds)?

2. How concerned are you about these effects?

3. How do pesticides and fertilizers affect your family’s health?

4. What effects do herbicides have on the type of weeds in your rice field?