Population: The ideal size of a focus group is 8-10 subjects, plus a facilitator and a note taker , about the size of a lively seminar class. A larger group will limit the detail of some responses because participants feel a pressure to share airtime with others.
What is a good sample size for focus groups?
Our data suggest that a sample size of two to three focus groups will likely capture at least 80% of themes on a topic—including those most broadly shared—in a study with a relatively homogeneous population using a semistructured guide. As few as three to six focus groups are likely to identify 90% of the themes.
How many is too many for a focus group?
In our experience, we’ve found it best to limit sessions to between six and eight participants . By doing so you can gather insights from all participants, maintain control over the session and record the findings effectively. Focus groups are unpredictable, and you never know what new ideas and discoveries will emerge.
Why is it important to have 8/12 participants in a focus group?
As a market research tool, focus groups are used to elicit information that cannot be gained using traditional question/answer surveys either because it is too complex, ambiguous, or requires further explanation.
What is the ideal number of participants in group discussion?
The ideal size of a focus group for most noncommercial topics is five to eight participants . Don’t plan focus groups with more than 10 participants because large groups are difficult to control and they limit each person’s opportunity to share insights and observations.
Can a focus group have two people?
Since the hallmark of a focus group is the interaction among the participants, it is not possible to have a one-person focus group . Instead, that should be treated as an individual interview, which could be considered to be additional data.
How do you select participants in a focus group?
The common (and simplest) method for selecting participants for focus groups is called “purposive” or “convenience” sampling . This means that you select those members of the community who you think will provide you with the best information. It need not be a random selection; indeed, a random sample may be foolish.
What number of participants is acceptable in a study?
When a study’s aim is to investigate a correlational relationship, however, we recommend sampling between 500 and 1,000 people . More participants in a study will always be better, but these numbers are a useful rule of thumb for researchers seeking to find out how many participants they need to sample.
How much do focus group participants get paid?
How Much You Can Expect to Earn With Paid Focus Groups. Each focus group will be different, but you can expect to make from $30 to $150 per focus group (although some very specific focus groups can pay up to $450 for an hour of your time!).
What are the disadvantages of focus groups?
- More Expensive to Execute Than Surveys. ...
- Participants Can’t Voice Their Opinion Freely. ...
- Hard to Get Honest Opinions For Sensitive Topics. ...
- Results Are Biased. ...
- Might Not Be a True Representation of Your Target Group. ...
- Not Ideal For B2B Research.
What is the best size for a group?
The research shows that three or four, at the most five , is the optimal group size.
Should focus groups be homogeneous?
Current research suggests that a homogeneous group gets better results because similar people will yield a more focused result. You can have several different homogeneous focus groups, each with different demographic characteristics.
What should I ask in a focus group?
- Introductory Questions. ...
- Competitor Questions. ...
- Improvements & Dissatisfaction Questions. ...
- Positive Aspects of the Product Questions. ...
- Specific Feature Information Questions. ...
- Overall Usage and Opinion Questions. ...
- Probing Questions. ...
- Closed-ended Questions.
Can a focus group be 3 people?
Designing and conducting focus group interviews. ... The ideal size of a focus group for most noncommercial topics is five to eight participants. Don’t plan focus groups with more than 10 participants because large groups are difficult to control and they limit each person’s opportunity to share insights and observations.
How long should focus groups last?
Focus groups typically last about 60 to 90 minutes . A focus group lasting more than 90 minutes probably includes too many questions or topics for discussion. The focus group needs to be appropriate for the type of participants in the group.
How many questions should a focus group have?
Most focus group moderators ask no more than eight to 12 questions . Know what information you can get from other methods to ensure you’re not asking unnecessary questions.
