Why use Focus Group Discussion



What is a focus group?
It is research tool widely used by different researcher to get the glimpse of the ground realities of situation. A focus group is a small-group discussion guided by a facilitator. A focus group discussion (FGD) is a good way to gather together people from similar backgrounds or experiences to discuss a specific topic of interest.
Main benefits are that in one go researcher get talk with so many people. If conducted properly research get to observe politics, dynamics within participants and may get to know the underlying reason behind specific problems.
Figure 1: FGD Conducted by facilitator with an assistant in front of village club.

 Prerequisite for FGD?
  •  At least group of 8 people to start with and people can join later but good facilitator would stop people from joining in in the middle of the discussion as it can change the course of discussion.
  • Always fill-up participants list. It is highly recommended that Facilitator should have one assistant to better manage situation like managing seating arrangement, filling up participants list, if more people gather to listen the conversation moderate them.
  •  Always give a introduction and reason why this FGD is being done.
  • There is as such no good place to conduct the FGD but open area help people talk freely.
  • Should have least 5-10 leading questions to guide the conversation.

Why are focus groups used?

Focus groups help people learn more about group or community opinions and needs. Responses in a focus group, are typically spoken, open-ended, relatively broad, and qualitative. They have more depth, nuance, and variety. Nonverbal communications and group interactions can also be observed. Focus groups can therefore get closer to what people are really thinking and feeling.

Figure 2: FGD conducted by Facilitator inside Village club with all females group

Common Mistakes done while conducting FGD.

  •  Participants overpower facilitator and question his integrity. This should be dealt firmly as if   not dealt then other people will also follow the same.
  • What if some is angry on something. They should not be stopped rather they should be heard calmly and details should be noted.
  •  Not taking notes thinking note when conducting FGD. This one mistake changes everything as lots of things becomes unreported. If facilitator can’t take notes then assistant should be directed to do so. If facilitator is alone then recording should be done with participants consent.
  • Facilitator should not be biased. There are many times when talking about development people blame certain political groups and facilitator should not debate or argue against or in for that political group.      
  • Never made participants feel insecure around you. Most of the times facilitator drive participant out by clearly making them insecure about their position in compare to facilitator. This may become the reason for bad data from FGD. Breaking the ice before starting is key to success. In fig2 it can be seen that to make participants comfortable and frank facilitator have sat on the ground and talking with them. 



Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India

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