Focus Groups

The Applied Social Research Unit (ASRU) composes and conducts focus groups—facilitated small group discussions on a particular topic—to elicit qualitative information answering clients' research questions. They address the "why" and "how" questions that cannot be answered easily by quantitative research. Focus groups can prioritize goals, brainstorm action plans, and help create local solutions to local challenges. ASRU staff members support focus group research by:

• facilitating development of focus group questions;
• facilitating plans for composition of focus groups;
• developing contact lists of prospective focus group participants;
• inviting contacts to participate in focus groups;
• arranging focus group venues and hospitality;
• developing focus group materials;
• facilitating and recording focus group discussions; and
• analyzing and reporting information elicited by focus group discussions.