Focus Group Discussion

1. Definition and description

2. Steps in conducting FGD
3. Guidelines in conducting FGD
4. Developing the FGD Guide
5. Writing the FGD Report
 FGD Definition and Description

• a qualitative research technique

• a rapid assessment , semi-structured

data gathering technique in which a
purposively selected set of informants
gather to discuss issues and concerns
based on a list of key themes drawn up
by the researcher

• a cost effective technique for eliciting

views, opinions, feelings, needs,
problems, beliefs, and reasons ... ...
FGD Conducting the FGD

1. Planning Phase

2. Implementation Phase

3. Reporting Phase
FGD Planning Phase

• clear objectives and information

needs

•Inclusion criteria for informants

• the TEAM: facilitator, rapporteur,

logistics in-charge

• logistics (invitations, transpo, venue,

timing, seating, name tags,

recording,
FGD Implementation Phase

1. Beginning the session

2. The FGD Agenda

3. Closing the session

FGD Implementation Phase

Roles of the
Facilitator

• Introduce the session.

• Encourage discussion.
• Encourage involvement.
• Control the timing.
• Synthesize/Summarize
at the end.
FGD Implementation Phase

Qualities of the Facilitator

• familiarity with the discussion topic

• ability to speak the language of the informants
• cultural sensitivity: not acting as a judge/teacher,
does not look down on informants, not agreeing
or disagreeing with what is said, not putting
words in the informants’ mouth
• genuine interest in people
• gender sensitive
• empathic, warm
• respectful
 FGD Implementation Phase

Roles of the Recorder

• Date, time, and place

• Names and characteristics of the informants
• General description of the group dynamics
(level of participation, level of interest,
dominant/shy informants )
• verbatim recording
• emotional reactions
• other important aspects of group interaction
FGD Implementation Phase

1. Beginning the session

•. Introduce self.
•. Give purpose of the session.
•. Introduce informants to each
other.
•. Set the ground rules (Anonimity &
confidentiality)
FGD Implementation Phase

2. The FGD Agenda

•. Warm-up questions
•. Exploration questions
•. Research questions
•. Closing questions
FGD Implementation Phase

Types of Questions:

•. Eliciting vs constricting
•. Non-threatening vs intrusive
•. Neutral vs leading
•. Clear vs ambiguous
FGD Implementation Phase

Helpful probes (follow-up)

•. Howcome?
•. Tell me more...
•. How did this idea come up?
•. What brought you to that?
•. Give some examples.
•. Help me understand.
•. What else?
•. How is that for you?
•. Can someone help ___ out?
•. Suppose I am ... ... What would ... ...?
•. Imagine you are the ... ..., how would ... ...?
FGD Implementation Phase

3 parts of the FG script:

•. Opening spiel
•. Questions
•. Closing spiel
FGD Implementation Phase

3. Closing the session

This section wraps up the focus

group.
This includes THANKING the participants,
giving them the opportunity and avenue
for further input, telling them how the
data
will be used, and explaining when the
larger process will be completed.
FGD Reporting Phase

1. Transcribe the notes.

2. Summarize the notes.
3. Review the objectives. Review the notes.
4. Highlight key word/s.
5. Organize.
6. Analyze.
7. Synthesize.
8. Write. Re-write. Edit. Proofread.
9. Finalize the report.