And both can be used together, to complement each other. Which is better? Both of these methods are useful. Focus groups can therefore get closer to what people are really thinking and feeling, even though their responses may be harder - or impossible - to score on a scale. Nonverbal communications and group interactions can also be observed. They have more depth, nuance, and variety. Responses in a focus group, on the other hand, are typically spoken, open-ended, relatively broad, and qualitative. Such surveys can be very useful but they usually can't capture all that a person is thinking or feeling. The person being surveyed often responds with a numerical rating, rather than with a verbal statement. In this respect, they are similar to needs assessment surveys.īut needs assessment surveys typically have written, closed-ended, relatively narrow questions which are quantitatively scored. Why are focus groups used?įocus groups help people learn more about group or community opinions and needs. Members are actively encouraged to express their opinions.īecause focus groups are structured and directed, but also expressive, they can yield a lot of information in a relatively short time. The group's composition and the group discussion are carefully planned to create a nonthreatening environment in which people are free to talk openly.The group has a trained leader, or facilitator.The main difference is the group has a specific, focused discussion topic.How are focus groups different from regular "groups"?Ī focus group is different in three basic ways: It convenes a group of prospective neighbors. An agency wants to open a group home for developmentally disabled adults in a quiet residential area.What do they think of the programs being offered? What are their own suggestions and ideas?
A focus group of senior citizens meets at the new senior center.Parents share their views on local child care programs, and on what could be done to improve them. A focus group of parents of preschoolers meets to discuss child care needs.It is used to learn about opinions on a designated topic, and to guide future action. Learn how to plan, prepare, conduct, and use focus group results to receive qualitative data for deeper understanding of community issues.Ī focus group is a small-group discussion guided by a trained leader.
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