Focus Group Discussion

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Definition and description

Steps in conducting FGD
Guidelines in conducting FGD
Developing the FGD Guide
Writing the FGD Report

FGD

Definition and Description

a qualitative research technique

a rapid assessment , semi-structured
data gathering technique in which a
purposively selected set of informants
gather to discuss issues and concerns
based on a list of key themes drawn up
by the researcher
a cost effective technique for eliciting
views, opinions, feelings, needs,
problems, beliefs, and reasons ... ...

FGD

Conducting the FGD

1. Planning Phase
2. Implementation Phase
3. Reporting Phase

FGD

Planning Phase

clear objectives and information

needs
Inclusion criteria for informants
the TEAM: facilitator, rapporteur,
logistics in-charge
logistics (invitations, transpo, venue,
timing, seating, name tags,
recording,

FGD

Implementation Phase

1. Beginning the session

2. The FGD Agenda
3. Closing the session

FGD

Implementation Phase

Roles of the
Facilitator

Introduce the session.

Encourage discussion.
Encourage involvement.
Control the timing.
Synthesize/Summarize
at the end.

FGD

Implementation Phase

Qualities of the Facilitator

familiarity with the discussion topic
ability to speak the language of the informants
cultural sensitivity: not acting as a judge/teacher,
does not look down on informants, not agreeing
or disagreeing with what is said, not putting
words in the informants mouth
genuine interest in people
gender sensitive
empathic, warm
respectful

FGD

Implementation Phase

Roles of the Recorder

Date, time, and place
Names and characteristics of the informants
General description of the group dynamics
(level of participation, level of interest,
dominant/shy informants )
verbatim recording
emotional reactions
other important aspects of group interaction

FGD

Implementation Phase

1. Beginning the session

. Introduce self.
. Give purpose of the session.
. Introduce informants to each
other.
. Set the ground rules (Anonimity &
confidentiality)

FGD

Implementation Phase

2. The FGD Agenda

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Warm-up questions
Exploration questions
Research questions
Closing questions

FGD

Implementation Phase

Types of Questions:
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Eliciting vs constricting
Non-threatening vs intrusive
Neutral vs leading
Clear vs ambiguous

FGD

Implementation Phase

Helpful probes (follow-up)

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Howcome?
Tell me more...
How did this idea come up?
What brought you to that?
Give some examples.
Help me understand.
What else?
How is that for you?
Can someone help ___ out?
Suppose I am ... ... What would ... ...?
Imagine you are the ... ..., how would ... ...?

FGD

Implementation Phase

3 parts of the FG script:

. Opening spiel
. Questions
. Closing spiel

FGD

Implementation Phase

3. Closing the session

This section wraps up the focus
group.
This includes THANKING the participants,
giving them the opportunity and avenue
for further input, telling them how the
data
will be used, and explaining when the
larger process will be completed.

FGD
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Reporting Phase

Transcribe the notes.

Summarize the notes.
Review the objectives. Review the notes.
Highlight key word/s.
Organize.
Analyze.
Synthesize.
Write. Re-write. Edit. Proofread.
Finalize the report.