FACILITATION

F O C U S G R O U P

A G U I D E F O R F A C I L I T A T O R S

T I P S F O R T H E S M O O T H E S T S E S S I O N S

People talk more when they 're comfortable . makeyour job easier from the start by f inding people whodon 't know one another but are homogeneousenough to be comfortable .

Confirm focus group participation in writ ing . Be clear about the length ,

purpose , and location of the session as well as any incentives you 'reoffer ing .

B U I L D I N G T H E G R O U P

1. Design a compatible group from the beginning.

2. Establish clear expectations up front.

3. Create a plan to keep participants cozy througout the session.Ensure the session takes place in a room just large enough for the groupwith access to food and faci l i t ies . Arrange for an assistant moderator i fpossible .

T I P S F O R T H E S M O O T H E S T S E S S I O N S

As participants arr ive , get the appropriate releasesignatures and paperwork . Offer nametags withanonymous identif iers or pseudonyms . Welcome andremind about schedule , purpose , and venue detai ls .

Communicate an expectation for ful l participation , confidential ity , and mutualrespect for all ideas expressed . Make participants aware of your notetaking orrecording devices .

R U N N I N G T H E G R O U P

1. Ensure you manage the "musts" first.

2. Establish the session protocol.

3. Be prepared to paraphrase, probe, and troubleshoot.Come to the session with a l ist of questions , plus a few extra . Rephrasingquestions , asking for clari f ication , and tactful ly addressing challengingparticipants will almost always be necessary . Plan for i t !

T I P S F O R T H E S M O O T H E S T S E S S I O N S

Use a spreadsheet and code questions andcomments , organizing by participant ID .

Look for commonalities among participant responses. Once you findthese themes, return to your spreadsheet and match each participantcomment with the appropriate theme codes. Create a summary foranswer trends for each focus group question.

S Y N T H E S I Z I N G T H E R E S U L T S

1. Transcribe notes into meaningful bits.

2. Detect themes.

3. Deliver findings.Compile spreadsheets and documents into a format consistent with theexpectations of the study sponsor and deliver .

BEST OF LUCK!F O C U S G R O U PW I T H Y O U R U P C O M I N G

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