Focus Groups: Who, What and How to Moderate

Course Information
This two-day Master-class course is for those already familiar with qualitative research, and looking to increase understanding around the mechanics of setting up focus groups based research project. They are looking to learn the skills and practicalities of moderating focus groups. The target audience for this course are researchers, practitioners and academics who are or want to conduct qualitative studies using focus groups, and are familiar with the qualitative research design and principles. A completion certificate will be issued to each participant.
course information
Code: QUAL 105
Offered: Globally
Duration: 2 days
Timing: 9 am - 5 pm
For Skill Level: 2 to 3
Price: per head quotation
Booking: Request Form
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This course

is a hands on course. It will give participants an understanding of how to set-up and implement a focus group based research methodology. It aims to equip participants with the skills and techniques necessary to construct and facilitate a focus group based project to a high standard. These skills are also transferrable to those who may be responsible for commissioning and overseeing qualitative research. Focus groups are an ideal forum for gathering information, however understanding when and how to use them is only half of the challenge! A well set-up and facilitated focus group enables participants to discuss issues of relevance to the researcher in a free and easy manner and yields information with both depth and breadth. The ability of the researcher to set-up the appropriate line of questioning and their skills in implementing the questions plays a big role in the success of any group discussion.

Course Format

This course involves a mixture of:
  • seminar presentations using powerpoint
  • class discussions; and
  • small group activities.

prerequisites

  • Participants will be expected to have fundamental knowledge about qualitative research.
  • QUAL 101, QUAL 102, QUAL 104 courses or equivalent knowledge.

Recommended Texts

  • Richards, L. (2014). Handling Qualitative Data: A Practical Guide (Third Edition). London: Sage.
  • Creswell, J. (2016) 30 Essential Skills for the Qualitative Researcher, Sage: Thousand Oaks.

Syllabus

Day 1
  • Understanding the benefits of a group based methodology
  • Sample design and group set-up
  • Questioning techniques
  • Understanding different types of questions
  • Moderation skills and group dynamics
  • Understanding and using non verbal cues

Day 2
  • Projective techniques: when should they be used?
  • Specific examples of some projective techniques and how to use them
  • Writing and moderating with your discussion guide
  • Project logistics and etiquette - the practicalities
  • Practical experience moderating or participating in a mini focus group

Related Courses

  • QUAL 101: Qualitative Research: Introduction
  • QUAL 102: Qualitative Research: Desing, Analysis and Representation.
  • QUAL 103: Foundations of Qualitative Comparative Analysis
  • QUAL 104: Collecting, Managing and Analysing Interview Data

Requirements

  • Group: 15-20 participants
  • Venue: white board, quality data projector, access to printer
  • Catering: tea/coffee/lunch

Instructor