Information about focus group techinques

Description
Focus groups are small-group discussions that give in-depth information and views on a specific topic. 
Potential uses
Focus groups are often a helpful addition to resident surveys as they will allow any emerging issues to be explored in more depth and in a less restrictive way.
How it works
Focus groups need to be kept relatively small so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and there is scope for discussions between participants. Normally, they should involve no more than 10 people.
We should identify someone to lead the group discussion. Agree a discussion guide in advance. Make sure it is simple, and draws out the issues we are keen to explore.
Often we need to hold more than one focus group around a topic and make sure equalities groups are represented in the focus groups.

To run a focus group, you need:
• A group leader
• A venue
• Incentives for participants
• Refreshments (if appropriate)
• Time to organise the event