Focus Group Discussion

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 1
 What is a Focus Group?
• A focus group is a small group of a selected
population that are asked open-ended
questions in a discussion type atmosphere to
generate data.

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 2
 Focus group discussion
A rapid assessment,
semi-structured data
gathering method in
which a purposively
selected set of
participants gather
to discuss a list of
issues.

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 3
Focus group discussion

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 4
Purpose of Focus Group Discussion
• Focus group discussions are helpful in
gathering data, especially on a specific
problem/issue that people with common
concerns can speak comfortably together
and share knowledge and information.
• Many studies rely on information gathered
in group discussions e.g., in gathering
history time lines, seasonal calendar,
resource flow diagram, institutional
diagram, wealth ranking, problem ranking,
problem analysis, etc.
M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury
University of Dhaka 5
 Advantages of FGD
• Produce a great deal of information at low cost
• The way to obtain information from illiterate
persons
• Reveal a range of attitude and opinions that
might not come out from a survey
• Well accepted by the people in community
• Can be good fun

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 6
 Limitations of FGD
• Require well trained facilitators
• Results from FGD cannot use to make
statements about the wider community, it
needs to present results to the larger group
• Participants often agree with responses from
fellow members
• Focus groups have limited value in exploring
complex beliefs and issues

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 7
 How to manage FGD
• Prepare materials such as flip chart, color markers,
etc.
• Seat setting: a half circle seat setting that the
audience can see and hear the facilitator in the
back; 7-10 persons per group is recommended for
the effective two-way communication.
• Procedures: (1) introduce together, (2) breaking
ice, (3) setting agreement rules of the meeting
(e.g., shut down mobile phones, everybody is
requested to present their opinions), (4) explain
objective and output of this meeting, (5) start with
easy issue, (6) write all answers/ opinions on the
flip chart/board such as mind map, matrix table,
card, etc. (7) facilitator or participant summarize
outputs of the meeting.
M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury
University of Dhaka 8
 Focus Group Discussion Team

• Facilitator/Moderator
• Rapporteur/Notetaker
• Participants (7-10)

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 9
 FGD Guide
1. Specify objectives and information needs
of FGD.
2. Break down major topics into discussion
points.
3. Prepare probe questions

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 10
 Sample FGD questions
1. Let’s talk about the microcredit and poverty.
What do you think about the impacts of
microcredit on poverty?
2. How does microcredit contribute to the
reduction of poverty at the household level?
3. What are the negative sides of microcredit?

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 11
 Logistical arrangements
1. Invitations
2. Group composition
3. Transport
4. Venue
5. Seating arrangements
6. Timing
7. Recording
8. Refreshments

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 12
 Guidelines in
group selection and composition
1. The optimal number of participants ranges from 7 to 10.
If too small a group, then someone in the group may be
dominant. If too big, it may be difficult to control.
2. Group members should be representative of the target
population.
3. Consider these characteristics in the choice of
participants:
sex
income level
educational level
level of expertise in the topic area
profession
M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury
University of Dhaka 13
 Qualities of an FGD moderator
• Familiarity with the discussion topic
• Ability to speak the local language
• Cultural sensitivity
• Sensitivity to women
• Politeness

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 14
 Moderator and his/her roles
Facilitators are the neutral to support group
meeting to exchange their knowledge and
experiences, to empower those people to be able to
think, decide and working by themselves
Facilitator’s roles
• Plan the meeting carefully (purpose, output, etc)
• Obtain the approval from the village leader
• Be aware of the customs and protocols of the
village
• Arrange the convenient time and place
M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury
University of Dhaka 15
 Moderator and his/her roles (cont.)
• Consider size and composition of the meeting
• Inform the community about the detail of
meeting by poster, home visit, public
announcement, etc.
• Prepare materials and handouts, visual aids and
check them well before the meeting
• Plan a strategy to encourage discussion, two-
way communication
• Be aware of who attempts to dominate the
discussion and opinions
• Summarize the proceedings, outline the
decisions and identify the next steps, confirm
next meeting
M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury
University of Dhaka 16
Moderator and his/her roles (cont.)
• Stays relaxed and sets tone
• Introduces and guides the discussion
• Actively and carefully listens
• Does NOT participate, or share views, or
engage in the discussion
• Does NOT editorialize comments
• Is non-judgmental and respectful

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 17
Moderator and his/her roles (cont.)
• Is familiar enough with the questions that
he/she can ask them in a conversational
manner
• Gives thankful welcome and close that
acknowledges the participants for giving their
time and ideas
• If possible, moderator should have connection
to the group

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 18
 Role of the Notetaker
• Tests and places the audio recording
equipment (Note: it helps to talk to participants
beforehand to gauge quiet speakers)
• Comes prepared with pens & paper
• Sits in the room during the entire discussion
where he/she can see & hear the participants
-- do not sit by the facilitator
• Sketches participant seating arrangement
(Note: use identifiers other than names)

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 19
 Role of the Notetaker (cont’d)
• Tries to be aware of correct recording during
the focus group session
• Serves as timekeeper
• Does not join in conversation - avoids nodding
or reaction
• Identifies themes, follow-up questions, body
language, confusion, nonverbal
communication (especially when no one is
speaking), facial expressions, gestures, signs of
agreement, disagreement, frustration, concern,
etc.
M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury
University of Dhaka 20
 Even More on the Notetaker
• After the discussion, notetaker checks notes
for legibility and gaps
• Notetaker and moderator should meet soon
after the focus group to review experience
• Take home message on the observer: You
should simply be a observe
– If no one knows you are there, you are doing
a good job!

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 21
 Role of the Transcriber
• Reviews tape to capture data
Note: It helps to have two people to review and
clarify content

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 22
 Getting Started
• Set up the room according to number of people
• Introduction points to write on flip chart
– Helpful Tips for Initiating Discussion:
• Your comments are confidential. We are taking notes, but not
names.
• Please speak up so we all can hear you.
• Everyone gets a chance to talk.
• There are no wrong answers; all comments are important.
• Please let me know if you have any questions

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 23
 Getting Started (cont’d)
• Moderator introduces himself/herself,
notetaker, and the study
• Thank people for coming
• Review the group’s purpose and goals
• Explain how the meeting will proceed and
how members can contribute
• Set the tone by asking an opening question
(e.g. “Does your household participate in a
microcredit program?”)
M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury
University of Dhaka 24
 During the Discussion
• Be aware of voice recorder function and
fidelity, making sure that soft-spoken
individuals speak loud enough and
minimizing any noise that might interfere
with the recording
• Use “Moderator Probes”
• Facilitate the discussion so that everyone is
included in it

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 25
 During the Discussion (Cont’d)
• Remind yourself not to share own views on a
participant’s remarks (including “That’s a
good point”) as this response may bias the
response of the other participants
• Be aware of how you’re sitting. Make sure
that you face everyone in the group and do not
start to lean towards one part of the group that
seems more animated and engaged.
• Don’t be afraid of silence. Give participants
the chance to think about their answers.
M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury
University of Dhaka 26
 Moderator Probes
• Be aware of recording: better to use non-
verbal prodding while someone is talking.
• Be neutral: don’t react for or against anyone’s
statement
• Body language: nodding head, continued eye
contact
• Vocalizations: “uh, huh…”; “yes…oh,
okay…”
• Reflecting back: “what I understood you to
say was…”; “Let me see if I understood you
correctly…”

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 27
 Moderator Probes (cont’d)
• Clarification: “I’m not sure I understand…
can you tell me more…”; “Can you tell me
more about why you think it is important”
• Substitution: “How often do you…”
• Other examples: “Is there anything else…”;
“Could you explain that to me… I want to be
sure I understand…”
• Timing: Listen for natural breaks in the
conversation or repetition before you move on
to the next question.
M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury
University of Dhaka 28
 Closing

• When all questions have been asked, ask if

anyone has any other comments to make
• Summarize key points based on focus group
discussion
• Have we missed anything?
• Audio taping ends

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 29
 Closing (cont’d)
• Tell the group about next steps that will occur
and what they can expect to happen
• Thank the group for coming
• Ask participants to complete a short
questionnaire including questions about age,
ethnicity, number and ages of children, and
years they have been in a microcredit program
• Give reimbursement for participation

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 30
 Managing Personalities

DOMINANT Participant
• Elicit comments from others
• Change the subject
• Avoid eye contact
• Turn your body slightly away

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 31
 Managing Personalities

PASSIVE Participant
• Ask directly for thoughts
• Make eye contact
• Use the person’s name
• Smile in his/her direction

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 32
 Managing Personalities

BORED Participant
• Similar to Passive Participant
• Give her the chance to speak first
• Move slightly closer to engage him/her in the
conversation

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 33
 Managing Personalities
SOFT-SPOKEN Participant
• Ask him/her to speak up; remind of ground
rules
• Emphasize that everyone wants to hear what
you have to contribute to the discussion as
everyone’s opinions are valuable
• Ask her to repeat what he/she said
• Reflect back

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 34
Handling Inappropriate Questions or
Comments
Questions About the Study
• Introduction
• Confirm confidentiality
• Deflect until end so you can stay on topic
• Be sure to keep promise and return to question

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 35
Handling Inappropriate Questions or
Comments
Asking for Your Opinion
• Do not provide. Remain neutral.
• Purpose of discussion is to hear from them, not
you
• Share at end if someone wants to discuss.

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 36
Handling Inappropriate Questions or
Comments
Asking for Information on Topic or Other
• Do not provide until end of session
• Refer to someone if you don’t know answer

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 37
Handling Inappropriate Questions or
Comments
Insensitive Comments
• If not direct attack, let it go and move on
• All views are important to capture

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 38
Handling Inappropriate Questions or
Comments
Personal Attacks
• Acknowledge strong feelings
• Remind all that opinions are important/ no
right or wrong answers
• Remind all to be respectful and not direct
feelings at others

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 39
Handling Inappropriate Questions or
Comments
Incorrect or Harmful Advice
• At end of session provide correct information

• Don’t single original speaker out

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 40
 Final Tips

• Enjoy yourself
• Be interested
• Stay relaxed
• Be yourself
• Thank everyone sincerely

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 41
 Thanks

M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury

University of Dhaka 42