Moderating Focus Groups

Volume 4 of this series is indispensable for all wishing to improve their focus group moderating skills. This book provides an overview of critical skills needed by moderators, the skills moderators use, & strategies for handling difficult situations.

Designed specifically for the needs of the focus group moderator, this comprehensive guide covers everything from pre-session participant recruitment to post-session reporting. In addition, the author includes a wealth of advanced and new techniques, such as those for managing group dynamics, energizing a tired group, projective techniques, personality association and position fixing. Extremely practical and well-written, the book includes chapter summaries and a helpful glossary.

As one of the most popular tools for gathering information in today's marketplace focus groups require understanding of purpose and good grounding in the technique to be effective. In The Handbook for Focus Group Research, Second Edition Tom Greenbaum provides the latest information on conducting effective focus groups.

This book spans nearly 35 years of Naomi's experiences as a moderator and a trainer of qualitative researchers. It covers a full range of QREs (Qualitative Research Events) from IDIs to extended groups.There are tools, tips, and techniques for moderators who run the gamut from new to the industry, to those with long years of research experience. It grapples with knotty questions and concerns that affect those working in market research environments. Henderson guides readers through an exploration of the reasons behind the importance of knowing that what counts in life cannot be measured on a scale, teaching them to navigate the territory of the heart below rational logic of the mind. Now in its third edition, Secrets of a Master Moderator, includes a glossary, index, and sample documents to aide any qualitative market researcher sharpen their skills.Praise for Secrets of a Master Moderator:"e;What comes through clearest in her work is Naomi's vast experience as a master moderator, consultant, educator, and presenter. This book distills the advice and wisdom from countless hours on the front lines of practice, deep in the trenches among consumers and clients."e;- Hy Mariampolski, PhD. QualiData Research Inc."e;It is jam-packed with tips, a valuable tool that I wish I had been able to access 20 years ago when I was starting to commission and then conduct qualitative research... The book is a 'how to,' a dictionary, a textbook, and a series of relevant anecdotes about the practice of qualitative research."e;- Nancy Kramarich, Anderson DDB Health & Lifestyle"e;This book is a gem and is likely to become a standard reference on the QRC's bookshelf."e;- Kay Corry Aubrey, Usability Resources, Inc."e;The book is inspired in its composition and content; at times profound and insightful, light and funny in others...It is the 'next best thing' to having Naomi on speed dial!"e;- Miguel Martinez-Baco, ORC International

`I read this book in a single sitting. It is written in an enthusiastic, helpful and clear style that held my attention, and made me want to read what came next. I shall read it again in a single sitting - probably more than once. For it offers common-sense advice about planning and running focus groups which I will want to revisit′ - British Journal of Education Technology The Third Edition of the `standard′ for learning how to conduct a focus group contains: a new chapter comparing and contrasting market research, academic, nonprofit and participatory approaches to focus group research; expanded descriptions on how to plan focus group studies and do the analysis, including step-by-step procedures; examples of questions that ask participants to do more than just discuss, and suggestions on how to answer questions about your focus group research.

This extensively revised edition of Focus Groups as Qualitative Research reflects the many changes that have occurred in the study of focus groups in recent years.

Basic and Advanced Focus Groups illustrates both the different types of focus groups and how to decide among those options in order to produce the most effective focus groups possible. A variety of approaches to doing research with focus groups gives readers the tools to develop and examine their research designs, starting with the basics. Advanced coverage in each chapter takes an in-depth look at topics such as moderating focus groups, using mixed methods, and working with different sizes of groups. By taking a practical, applied approach, the author gives even novice students the knowledge and confidence to design and conduct effective focus group research, while simultaneously providing more advanced researchers with the tools and knowledge to refine their current practices.