Applied Research Methods: A Workshop on Designing and Conducting Focus Groups

What it is about

You learn how group discussions (focus groups) are planned, moderated and analyzed as a qualitative method. By the end you can create your own guides, conduct a moderated group discussion, and assess the impact of group dynamics and ethical questions on data quality.

What you will be able to do

• Explain the purpose, strengths and limits of group interviews
• Design a structured and ethically sound guide for group interviews
• Moderate a group and handle typical challenges
• Document qualitative material from group interviews and prepare it for analysis
• Critically reflect on methodological decisions, researcher position and group interaction

What the module consists of

• WorkshopPractice-oriented introduction with theory, design exercises, practical group discussions, analysis and reflection phases

Teaching method

• Short theoretical inputsConveying central concepts on group interviews, moderation techniques and ethics
• Guided design exercisesSupport in creating guides and sampling strategies
• Practical interview sessionsEnable practicing moderation and observing moderation strategies
• Analytical exercisesWorking with discussion excerpts to identify themes and interaction patterns
• plenary reflections and continuous feedbackDiscussion of challenges and promotion of methodological confidence