Moderating Focus Groups : A Practical Guide for Group Facilitation

by Thomas L. Greenbaum

• ISBN13: 9780761920434
• ISBN10: 0761920439
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-11-18
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc

Summary

"Like every other agency research director, I suffer from focus-group anxiety. Pumping M&M's behind the one-way mirror, I'm monitoring the groups, the moderator and the client simultaneously. It's tough enough to manage the client's expectations and responses. Worrying about whether the moderator can effectively manage the content flow and the group dynamic makes the experience life threatening. Watching Tom moderate, I find myself constantly thinking, 'Wow, he's smart. I wish I thought of that. He's the best.'" --George Scribner, Research Manager, Organic Inc. "Dynamic, entertaining, and armed with information on new drugs and medical techniques that would challenge the knowledge of most physicians, Tom Greenbaum presides over an attentive yet relaxed group of medical specialists anxious to share their opinions and prejudices with this most charming of focus group moderators. Serving as a polished master of ceremonies, Mr. Greenbaum is able to work with the many individual styles of his physician panel and at the conclusion, leaves one with the sense of having participated in something important." --Alan H. Richman, M.D., Chairman, Department of Radiology of Norwalk Hospital "Tom Greenbaum is a highly effective moderator who has the special ability to quickly learn any subject matter and can conduct groups with expert knowledge. From the discussion guide to the final report, Tom works with speed and accuracy." --Mark Alfonso, V. P. of Marketing, The Purdue Frederick Company "Tom is one of the most competent and intuitive moderators I have ever worked with: not only does he have an impeccable understanding of the technical skills necessary for a successful moderator, he also has a unique and uncanny ability to foster and capitalize on the internal dynamics of any group." --Joseph A. Ciaralli, The Prudential Insurance Company of America "Thomas L. Greenbaum eats and breathes focus groups. If you want a definitive look at this research technique, you need to either live with the guru for a year or read his books." --Dave Quincy, Clarion Marketing and Communications The entire range of facilitation techniques is covered in this comprehensive handbook, from pre-session tips in participant recruitment to post-session reporting. Moderating Focus Groups covers all the fundamentals of successful group facilitation, and also includes a wealth of advanced techniques not found in other books on focus group research (on managing group dynamics, energizing a tired group, and digging deeper into the minds of participants.) Greenbaum also goes beyond the basics with chapters on how to build a business moderating focus groups, and how to price moderating services. While this book is particularly aimed at the needs of focus group practitioners, there is plenty of advice that will benefit anyone who conducts in-depth interviews or group facilitation. Additionally, the many people who hire moderators to facilitate their sessions will benefit from reading this book because it will provide them with valuable insights on how to evaluate their moderators' work.

Author Biography

Thomas L. Greenbaum is President of Groups Plus, a focus group and consulting company in Wilton, Connecticut

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction	1	(8)
The Focus Group Methodology	9	(6)
Focus Groups Versus One-on-One (In-Depth) Interviews	15	(8)
The Role of the Moderator	23	(6)
The Characteristics of a Successful Moderator	29	(12)
Preparation for Moderating	41	(20)
Recruiting Participants	61	(12)
Pre-and Postgroup Briefings	73	(12)
The Discussion Guide	85	(20)
External Stimuli	105	(10)
The Moderator Report	115	(10)
Moderating Fundamentals	125	(34)
Advanced Moderating Techniques	159	(18)
Unique Moderating Situations	177	(14)
Moderating Focus Groups Internationally	191	(10)
Building a Business Moderating Focus Groups	201	(16)
Pricing Focus Groups	217	(10)
Glossary	227	(14)
Index	241	(8)
About the Author	249