A focus group is:

“… a group of individuals selected and assembled by researchers to discuss and comment on, from personal experience, the topic that is the subject of the research.” (Powell et al 1996 p 499)

This emphasis on organised discussion as a key aspect of focus groups was also noted by (Kitzinger 1994) and, given Dexter’s definition of an interview as a “conversation with a purpose” (1970 p136), focus groups can be seen as a form of group interview guided by a group facilitator known as a ‘moderator’.

The main purpose of focus group research is to draw upon respondents’ attitudes, feelings, beliefs, experiences and reactions in a way in which would not be feasible using other methods, for example one-to-one interviewing or questionnaire surveys.

In order for focus groups to function effectively they need:

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