Jean A. King Libri

Asking the right questions is critical in focus group interviewing. This book describes a practical process for identifying powerful themes and then offers an easy-to-understand strategy for translating those themes into questions. Richard Krueger suggests ways of categorizing, phrasing and sequencing focus group questions. Going beyond material presented in his earlier books, Krueger shares ideas for questions that get participants actively involved in the focus group interview. For example, he suggests asking participants to make lists, create report cards, sort pictures, draw, cut and paste, or participate in a mini-debate. The results of these activities not only yield insightful information but are also interesting and fun. This book helps make the process of developing good questions easier by outlining a process and offering many examples.

David L Morgan covers the wide range of practical tasks required in the course of a research project when using focus groups. Throughout, Planning Focus Groups emphasizes the clarifying purposes of the research project in order to collect data that meet the goals. The author extensively and concisely covers the basic decisions that are necessary to plan a research project using focus groups, such as who should be in the groups, the total number of groups, their size and much more. This volume also features a detailed discussion of personnel and budgets. Among the other topics covered are recruitment, selecting locations, and recording and managing data. Practical material includes checklists and recruitment tools.

This volume is indispensable for those who want to improve their focus group moderating skills. Based on years of experience in moderating and training others to moderate, Richard Krueger offers tips and sound advice on how to gain expertise in leading focus groups. The book is an easy-to-read overview of critical skills needed by moderators, the various approaches that successful moderators use and strategies for handling difficult situations. Beginners will find an invaluable guide and the more experienced will discover tips and strategies for honing their skills.