Module 10: Data Collection Methods

Focus Group Process

• IPDET © 2009

Phase		Action
1	Opening		Ice-breaker; explain purpose; ground rules; introductions
2	Warm-up		Relate experience; stimulate group interaction; start with least threatening and simplest questions
3	Main body		Move to more threatening or sensitive and complex questions; elicit deep responses; connect emergent data to complex, broad participation
4	Closure		End with closure-type questions; summarize and refine; present theories, etc; invite final comments or insights; thank participants

Advantages and Challenges of Focus Groups

• IPDET © 2009

Advantages	Can be conducted relatively quickly and easily; may take less staff time than in-depth, in-person interviews; allow flexibility to make changes in process and questions; can explore different perspectives; can be fun
Challenges	Analysis is time consuming; participants not be representative of population, possibly biasing the data; group may be influenced by moderator or dominant group members

Tool 6: Diaries and Self-Reported Checklists

• IPDET © 2009

• Use when you want to capture information about events in people’s daily lives
• Participants capture experiences in real-time not later in a questionnaire
• Used to supplement other data collection