FGD or Focus Group Discussion is a method of data collection for any research topic

1. Focus Group Discussion

2. Introduction
• Focus Group Discussion (FGD) is a qualitative method of data
collection.
• It involves group of 8 to 12 respondents who come together to
discuss on a particular research topic
• Unlike other forms of data collection here in FGD respondents can
talk to each other.
• The discussion in FDG is led by a moderator in form of loosely
structured interview.

3. Planning for FGD
• The planning for conducting FGD need to start couple of weeks in
advance.
• The research question and interview questions have to be developed
by researcher after literature review.
• The location of conducting the FGD needs to be decided and
participants needs to be identified in advance.
• The FGD session needs to be held in a neutral place where all
respondents can comfortably come and participate.
• The date, time and venue must be communicate to the participants in
advance and arrangements for refreshment must be made.

4. Recording the FGD session
• The proceedings of the FGD session needs to be recorded for
developing the report.
• The recording may be done manually or using a tape or video
recorder.
• The participants are given numbers so it becomes convenient to
record who said what.
• Permission must be taken from the respondents for recording the
proceedings in any form.

5. Facilitating the FGD
• The moderator and the team must be proficient in the language and
customs of the participants.
• The moderator and his/her team must introduce themselves and
their purpose of having the FGD.
• The moderator must try to follow the checklist for asking questions
but if required may deviate from it to gather any useful information.
• The moderator must encourage all participants to express their views
and also share their opinion on views of others.
• It is recommended that the FGD starts with an open ended question.

6. Few Dos in FGD
• The moderator must ask the question as if he / she does not know
anything about the subject.
• The team must dress appropriately keeping in view the customs and
tradition of the community.
• The facilitator and the respondents must sit at same level during the
exercise.
• As far as possible moderator musk request ask all the respondents to
responded to the questions.

7. Few Don'ts in FGD
• Avoid asking leading questions and give an impression that one is
looking for specific answer.
• Avoid asking yes / no type questions and if done so then ask ‘why’ for
clarification.
• Do not give any judgement on the answers being given by the
respondents.
• Do not pressurize people to speak as some people may be shy and
take time to put their views forward.

8. Reporting the FGD
• The report on the FGD session must be prepared as soon as possible
while the discussion is fresh in ones memory.
• The response for each question needs to be recorded for each
respondents who have been numbered.
• Interesting phrases / comments made by the participants must be
quoted as it is.
• The research report may be presented with introduction,
methodology, result, discussion and acknowledgement.

9. Thank You