A manual for the use of focus groups

Abstract

The focus group is an effective way of quickly obtaining information on a particular topic of study and providing a good estimate of the range of opinion in a community with respect to the topic of interest. The research approach is therefore useful in selecting communities with particular characteristics for an intervention or for providing baseline information relevant to the development of questionnaires for more quantitative study. The focus group technique must however be used properly if it is to be valid. This manual provides a step-by-step readily understood set of instructions on how to employ the focus group research methodology. It will be of considerable use to those involved in RAP or to those who would like to become familiar with RAP methodologies. The first part of the manual is targeted to researchers who would like to use focus groups in their research projects or to members of control programs or departments of health who are responsible for projects and who may be training others to conduct focus group research. The second part of the manual has been written as a series of training sessions for others who will be involved in the project.

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