Session 5: Conducting Focus Groups

Implementing Focus Groups 1 st Focus Group Session (30 minutes): –Group 2 = moderate Group 1 = respondent –Group 4 = moderate Group 3 = respondent 2 nd Focus Group Session (30 minutes): –Group 1 = moderate Group 4 = respondent –Group 3 = moderate Group 2 = respondent

Debriefing Questions How did you narrow your topics? Were these groups too heterogeneous? Any surprises or problems? Did you have enough material for ½ hour?

Interview and Questionnaire Tips for Formative Evaluations Elicit information on program implementation Focus on specific/recent events or time periods Anticipate barriers, problems, or complications to implementation or service delivery Use of follow-up questions to generate more detail Vague questions generate vague answers Be careful to avoid leading language

Readings and Assignment for Next Time: Trochim, Chapter 5 Weiss, Chapter 11 Survey Instrument Due –Translate focus groups findings into a brief question survey –Attach a copy of your focus group guide