Focus Group Discussion
M.M. Escalada
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.
Focus group discussion
Focus Group Discussion
Team
• Facilitator
• Rapporteur
• Participants (7-10)
FGD Guide
1. Specify objectives and
information needs of FGD.
2. Break down major topics into
discussion points.
3. Prepare probe questions
Logistical arrangements
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Invitations
Group composition
Transport
Venue
Seating arrangements
Timing
Recording
Refreshments
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
Qualities of an FGD facilitator
• Familiarity with the discussion topic
• Ability to speak the local language
• Cultural sensitivity
• Sensitivity to women
• Politeness
Steps in conducting FGD session
1. After a brief introduction, explain briefly the purpose
and scope of the discussion.
- to relax participants
- to establish ground rules - i.e., time allocation
and that everyone will be given an opportunity
to express his/her opinions
- begin developing rapport with participants
2. Ask participants to give their names.
3. Start the discussion, focusing on the key themes
prepared in advance.
4. During the discussion, give all participants the
opportunity to participate.
Steps in conducting FGD session
5. Use a variety of moderating tactics to
facilitate the group discussion.
- Stimulate the participants to talk to each
other, not necessarily to the moderator.
- Encourage shy participants to speak.
- Discourage dominant participants
through verbal and nonverbal cues.
Steps in conducting FGD session
Moderating tactics
- call on other participants
- politely intervene by saying, “Maybe we can
discuss that in another occasion...”
- look in another direction
- take advantage of a pause and suggest that the
subject can be discussed in detail in another
session