Focus Groups

Using focus groups is a qualitative research method where a group of people—of specific demographic characteristics—provide information and data in a focused discussion to help understand a topic of interest.  The Research and Evaluation Group conducts focus groups to obtain a variety of information for different uses, like:

• Needs Assessment & Exploration of the Community Issue:  Why and for what reasons does this issue occur in this community?
• Program Effectiveness: Did the program have an impact on the targeted population?
• Impact of Public Messaging & Awareness Campaigns: What messages/slogans and mediums of communication will have the greatest impact for the targeted population?
• Survey Design:  What are the most common or most anticipated responses to certain survey question items?
• And More…

The Research and Evaluation Group conducts focus groups using our experienced moderators and/or facilitators and in a variety of modes: In-Person, Telephone, Video-Conferencing, and Online (Discussion Boards and Chat Rooms).  Online focus groups work specifically well for people accustomed to communicating through these channels (teens and young adults).