1. Designing your Research Instruments (Focus Group Discussion)
Fernando A.C.Ligot, MHPEd, CSP-PASP
OPST Methods of Research
26 June 2009

2. What is a Focus Group Discussion?
6-12 participants
Guided by a facilitator
Free spontaneous discussion on a specific topic

3. Characteristics Used in qualitative studies
Used to obtained in-depth information on concepts, perceptions and ideas of a group
Group participants maybe homogenous or heterogenous
Discussion revolves around a SINGLE topic only

4. Please refer to the Data Collection Methods handout
Uses
Please refer to the Data Collection Methods handout

5. How to conduct a FGD? Determine the __________ Recruit _____________
Prepare ___________arrangements
Prepare a ______________guide
Clear, set objective must first be developed
Participants must have some degree of commonality; if using several sets of key informants categorize them separately I.e. experts, lay, clergy, students, etc.
3. Ensure confidentiality; Invite participants early

6. Conducting the FGD Identify a _______________ Stimulate the discussion
MUST NOT act as an expert in the discussion
Introduce the ______________
Allow participants to introduce themselves
Encourage __________ ___________

7. Conducting the FGD Deal with ________ __________ appropriately
Build _____________
Avoid being the ____________

8. Conducting the FGD
___________ the rhythm of the discussion unobtrusively
___________ at the end
___________ to additional comments given at the end of meeting

9. Conducting the FGD Identify a ____________
Documents the proceedings of the meeting as well as the emotional reactions of the participants
Date, time place
Names of participant
General description of dynamics (dominating persons, participation level, etc.)
1. Reactions and emotional responses can lead to identifying crucial issues on the topic

10. Conducting the FGD ___________of participants, key statements
________________aspects
________________used
Spontaneous relevant ____________
_____________and ___________of sessions

11. Analysis of Discussion Results
Transcribe notes
Code the topics and issues discussed
Highlight the comments made on each topic or issue
Summarize using a compilation sheet
Compare opinions of each group on a specific topic

12. Thank you for enduring this with me. The End

13. References
Debus M, Porter Novelli (1986) Handbook for Excellence in Focus Group Research, Washington: Academy for Educational Development, Healthcom.
Helitzer-Alland, Makhambera Mano, Wangel AM (1994) Obtaining sensitive information: The need for more than Focus Groups. Reproductive Health Matters 3:75-82
Khan ME, Anker M, Patel BC, Barge S, Sadhwani H, Kohle R (1991) The Use of Focus Groups in Social and Behavioural Research: Some Methodological Issues. World Health Statistical Quarterly, 4 4:
Krueger RA (1988) Focus Groups. A practical guide for applied research. Newbury Park: Sage Publications. (In particular pp and )
Morgan DL (1993) Successful Focus Groups: Advancing the State of the Art. California: Sage Publications Inc.
Powell RA and Simple HM (1996) Methodology Matters V: Focus Groups. International Journal for Quality in Health Care 8 (5):