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The Improve Group has conducted focus groups for clients from a great variety of disciplines. Focus groups are a good way for researchers to learn about the human experience.
So, the Improve Group calls you to participate in a focus group – what exactly are you getting yourself into?
What is a Focus Group?
A focus group is commonly a meeting of a small, ad hoc group of people led by a facilitator for the purpose of exploring a topic, product or issue. A series of pre-determined questions are presented to stimulate conversation or solicit opinions and reactions from the participants. Groups meet for a designated period of time depending on the complexity of the topic (usually about 1 hour). Sessions are kept on schedule by the facilitator and everyone is given a chance to contribute.
Focus groups have become more sophisticated over the years and more creative methods are being used to gather information. Some methods include participants bringing photographs to discuss, writing in a journal or contributing to an online bulletin board or chat room. If the focus group is for a marketing firm they may offer a product for you to try out or a food to prepare and sample.
What a focus groups isn’t.
Focus groups should not be mysterious. Anyone asking you to be in a focus group should be able to give you a detailed explanation of:
•who is conducting the research;
•what the objectives of the meeting are, and
•how the information you share will be used.
If sensitive information is to be shared you should be given assurances of anonymity and security. Depending upon the nature of the topic a release form could be offered for you to sign.
Focus groups should never be judgmental; everyone’s thoughts and opinions should be heard and respected.
What is the value to you the participant?
A well-run focus group can be enjoyable and fulfilling. Sometimes you are offered an incentive to get involved, like a monetary gift, gift card or donation to a favored program or charity.
Although the incentives are a nice touch you cannot overlook the more personal incentive of being part of a focus group – the satisfaction of having your thoughts and opinions heard and appreciated. If the focus group is on a topic about which you are passionate you get the opportunity to tell others what you think and how you feel. There is real power in getting your ideas and concerns across to a group of peers or a client who is charged with the task of planning a course of action or recommending change.
Should you get the call, we hope you will believe in the importance of your opinions and consider taking part in a focus group.
The Improve Group has conducted focus groups for clients from a great variety of disciplines. Focus groups are a good way for researchers to learn about the human experience.
So, the Improve Group calls you to participate in a focus group – what exactly are you getting yourself into?
What is a Focus Group?
A focus group is commonly a meeting of a small, ad hoc group of people led by a facilitator for the purpose of exploring a topic, product or issue. A series of pre-determined questions are presented to stimulate conversation or solicit opinions and reactions from the participants. Groups meet for a designated period of time depending on the complexity of the topic (usually about 1 hour). Sessions are kept on schedule by the facilitator and everyone is given a chance to contribute.
Focus groups have become more sophisticated over the years and more creative methods are being used to gather information. Some methods include participants bringing photographs to discuss, writing in a journal or contributing to an online bulletin board or chat room. If the focus group is for a marketing firm they may offer a product for you to try out or a food to prepare and sample.
What a focus groups isn’t.
Focus groups should not be mysterious. Anyone asking you to be in a focus group should be able to give you a detailed explanation of:
•who is conducting the research;
•what the objectives of the meeting are, and
•how the information you share will be used.
If sensitive information is to be shared you should be given assurances of anonymity and security. Depending upon the nature of the topic a release form could be offered for you to sign.
Focus groups should never be judgmental; everyone’s thoughts and opinions should be heard and respected.
What is the value to you the participant?
A well-run focus group can be enjoyable and fulfilling. Sometimes you are offered an incentive to get involved, like a monetary gift, gift card or donation to a favored program or charity.
Although the incentives are a nice touch you cannot overlook the more personal incentive of being part of a focus group – the satisfaction of having your thoughts and opinions heard and appreciated. If the focus group is on a topic about which you are passionate you get the opportunity to tell others what you think and how you feel. There is real power in getting your ideas and concerns across to a group of peers or a client who is charged with the task of planning a course of action or recommending change.
Should you get the call, we hope you will believe in the importance of your opinions and consider taking part in a focus group.