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Group Interview / Focus Group

Purpose

Explore participants' opinions, attitudes, and perceptions on the topic through group interaction.

Qualities
  • Mode of Inquiry: Divergent
  • Common Usage: Challenge Seeking
  • Depth of Understanding Gained: Deep
  • Participant Engagement: Synchronous  
  • Researcher Engagement: 1:Many
  • Setting: In-person or Virtual

Duration 

60 minutes

Tool requirements

Notebook + writing utensil or audio recorder

Facilitators

1

Participants

6-10


Instructions

Prep
  1. Create a question guide. Unlike 1-on-1 interviews, group interviews only require a few broad questions. 
Execute
  1. Begin by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the focus group.
  2. Establish ground rules, such as respecting each other’s opinions, avoiding interrupting each other, and maintaining confidentiality. 
  3. Ask open-ended questions to encourage participants to share their thoughts and opinions. I
  4. Listen actively and avoid leading the discussion. Encourage all participants to participate and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak.
Document
  1. Take notes or record audio of the session.

External Resources

Group Interviewing - Science Direct