Running participative focus groups

This course will cover the key characteristics of focus groups including; the circumstances when they should and should not be used, how to plan and prepare for a focus group, the advantages and disadvantages of different options for structuring a focus group, the skills required of a focus group facilitator and the roles that help a group to function well, probing and questioning in a focus group and handling difficult people or circumstances in a focus group. Practical exercises will reinforce learning and give participants opportunities to practice some of the skills of a focus group facilitator.

Duration 1 day

Target audience

Anyone who needs to use group interviews as a way of carrying out consultations or research.

Learning aim

The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge, techniques, and confidence to design and run a participative focus group.

Learning objectives

• Explore the key characteristics of focus groups, when they should and should not be used
• Discuss how to prepare and plan for a focus group
• Identify the advantages and disadvantages of different options for structuring a focus group
• Discuss the qualities and skills required of a focus group facilitator and the roles that help a group to function well
• Probing and questioning in a focus group
• Identify techniques for handling difficult behaviour or circumstances in a focus group (Focus Group from Hell exercise)
• Provide an opportunity for practical exercises to reinforce learning and practice some of the skills of a focus group facilitator

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of how to plan and run a focus group
• Identify when to use focus groups in preference to other participatory methods
• Describe the characteristics and skills of a good focus group facilitator
• Use probing and questioning techniques
• Feel more confident in dealing with difficult behaviour and circumstances