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Tell participants that the focus group will take about one and half
to two hours. Give them a starting time that is 15 minutes prior to
the actual start of the focus group to allow for filling out necessary
paperwork, having a bite to eat, and settling in to the group.
Arrange for a comfortable room in a convenient location with
ample parking. Depending on your group, you may also what to
consider proximity to a bus line. The room should have a door for
privacy and table and chairs to seat a circle of up to 12 people (10
participants and the moderator and assistant moderator). Many
public agencies (churches, libraries) have free rooms available.
Arrange for food. At a minimum, offer a beverage and light snack
(cookies, cheese/crackers, veggie tray, etc.). It is OK to offer a full
meal but be sure to add an additional 30 to 45 minutes to the
entire process so that everyone can finish eating before the group
begins.
Conducting the focus group
Ideally, the focus group is conducted by a team consisting of a
moderator and assistant moderator. The moderator facilitates the
discussion; the assistant takes notes and runs the tape recorder.
The ideal focus group moderator has the following traits:
Can listen attentively with sensitivity and empathy
Is able to listen and think at the same time
Believes that all group participants have something to offer no
matter what their education, experience, or background
Has adequate knowledge of the topic
Can keep personal views and ego out of the facilitation
Is someone the group can relate to but also give authority to
(e.g. a male moderator is most appropriate for a group of all
men discussing sexual harassment in the workplace)
Can appropriately manage challenging group dynamics
The assistant moderator must be able to do the following:
Run a tape recorder during the session
Take notes in case the recorder fails or the tape is inaudible
Note/record body language or other subtle but relevant clues
Allow the moderator to do all the talking during the group