The focus group method is one of the various techniques used in qualitative research. A focus group is a loosely-structured roundtable discussion conducted by a moderator among a small number of respondents, usually eight to twelve people. Participants for the groups are selected on the basis of having shared a common experience (e.g., users or non-users of a product or service).
The objective of the method is to encourage participants to talk openly and freely about a topic relevant to that product or service. Thus, it is important that the moderator, the guide and the setting encourage free expression of opinions and feelings.
Other brief description (CIDGallup Market Group)
The Focus Group: A Tool for Program Planning, Assessment and Decision-Making
Sloan G (1998) Focus group interviews: defining clinical supervision. Nursing Standard. 12, 42, 40-43. [link]
TECHNICAL NOTE 1: FOCUS GROUP METHODOLOGY FOR THE MADAME PROJECT (Kalliopi Evmorfopoulou)