Editing Focus group (section)

==Types==
Variants of focus groups include:
* '''Two-way focus group''' - one focus group watches another focus group and discusses the observed interactions and conclusion
* '''Dual moderator focus group''' - one moderator ensures the session progresses smoothly, while another ensures that all the topics are covered
* '''Dueling moderator focus group''' (fencing-moderator) - two moderators deliberately take opposite sides on the issue under discussion
* '''Respondent moderator focus group''' - one and only one of the respondents is asked to act as the moderator temporarily
* '''Client participant focus groups''' - one or more client representatives participate in the discussion, either covertly or overtly
* '''Mini focus groups''' - groups are composed of four or five members rather than 6 to 12
* '''Teleconference focus groups ''' - telephone network is used
* '''Creativity groups'''
* '''Band obsessive group'''
* '''[[Online focus group]]s''' - computers connected via the internet are used
* '''Phone/ web focus groups ''' - live group conducted over the phone and online with 6 to 8 participants.

===General guidelines on how to conduct focus-group discussions===
When conducting a focus-group discussion where the topic being discussed is of a sensitive nature, it is recommended that the participants be of the same sex, age-range, and socio-economic background. It is also desirable that the participants do not know each other prior to the discussion.<ref name="Odimegwu2000">Odimegwu, C. O. (2000). ''Methodological Issues in the Use of Focus Group Discussions as a Data Collection Tool''. Retrieved from KRE Publishers: http://www.krepublishers.com/02-Journals/JSS/JSS-04-0-000-000-2000-Web/JSS-04-02-03-117-2000-Abst-PDF/JSS-04-02-03-207-212-2000.pdf</ref>

Informed consent must be granted before beginning the discussion. In addition, before the discussion is to begin potential group members should be briefed about the topic of discussion and informed about their rights, including the confidentiality (e.g., that their identities will not be revealed in any report or publication).<ref name="Toolkit for Conducting Focus Groups">Toolkit for Conducting Focus Groups. (n.d.). Retrieved from Rowan Education: http://www.rowan.edu/colleges/chss/facultystaff/focusgrouptoolkit.pdf</ref>

Important considerations are the homogeneity of the group members, settings, and the nature of open-ended questions, which are hoped to encourage the members to talk more freely.<ref name="Odimegwu2000" /> The discussion must be held in a relaxed setting, with the entire session recorded (audio or visual). There should also be a note-taker who writes down all important aspects of the discussion, but who is not a part of the discussion. This note-taker must have in-depth knowledge about the topic at hand, should be trained in observing verbal and non-verbal feedback (for example, noting facial expressions), and whose duty is to translate the notes taken during session into data for analysis.<ref name="Odimegwu2000" />

Areas of interest to be discussed during the session need to be specified by the moderators and organizers prior to the session. The moderator makes sure that all these areas are covered during the discussion. He or she introduces new topics, directs the conversation and encourages participation while trying to minimize bias.<ref name="Odimegwu2000" />

The moderator should create an environment that encourages members to share their views, while keeping track of the discussion and preventing it from drifting from the topic at hand.<ref name="Flick2006">Flick, U. (2006). ''An Introduction to Qualitative Research''. California: Sage Publications.</ref> Because the participants often do not know each other, the moderator must ensure that everyone feels comfortable and there is good rapport. The purpose and format of the discussion should be made clear at the beginning of the session. All participants should be encouraged to participate, share their views, and be told that divergent views are welcome.<ref name="Toolkit for Conducting Focus Groups" />

Flick writes that a formal explanation of the procedure should be given to the participants.<ref name="Flick2006" /> Expectation-setting is an essential component in this step. Expectations can include being involved in the discussion, arguing about certain topics, and collective problem-solving. Introducing the members to one another and having a "warm up" can help prepare the participants for the discussion. The moderator must establish common ground for the participants in order to facilitate community feeling. The actual discussion takes place following "discussion stimuli," which may be in the form of a provocative thesis, a short film, lecture on a text, or unfolding of a concrete problem for which a solution needs to be found.

The questions should be open ended. However, there should be a smooth transition from one question to the next. The session should ideally start with introductory questions to address the general topic, helping the participants to understand the broader context. The general questions should be followed by questions designed to elicit the specific information sought. The focus group should end with efforts to summarize the opinions of the participants.<ref>Magloff, L. (n.d.). Focus Group Technique. Retrieved from Chron: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/focus-group-technique-10741.html</ref>