Focus Groups

Setting

Moderator Considerations

6 to 12 community members. Accessible, comfortable space. Round or oval table is ideal.

The moderator asks questions and guides conversation — but most importantly, the moderator must create space for participants to speak freely.The moderator establishes group rules and maintains confidentiality.The moderator should critically consider their own social position and how it impacts the focus group.

Recording

Focus Groups

Have an assigned note-taker to write down notes during conversation. Only video or audio record with permission.

Who is My Neighbor: Guides for Congregational Research

What is a focus group?

Researcher Roles

Bibliography

Focus groups are small-group discussions in which a moderator asks a series of questions and the participants answer them in an open, unstructured conversation.

Moderator: asks questions to guide focus group conversation. Note taker: takes notes on focus group.

See the academic sources used to compile these recommendations.

Grace Klinefelter, Zoe Parish, and Erica CollinSt. Olaf College

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Step Four

Step Five

Ask community members to participate.

Identify moderator, note taker, and space.

Discuss findings and next steps.

Conduct focus group.

Write guiding questions.