Coastal Services Center

Collecting Information through an Interactive Group Setting

The focus group is a useful tool that requires only a small number of participants compared to many other social science methods. The typical objective of a focus group is not consensus or debate, but rather to generate ideas and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to express feelings about a particular topic.

This document is an introduction to key elements and practices that will increase the success of a focus group effort. Topics include

• Determining if a focus group is the right tool for a project
• Developing effective focus group questions
• Planning for a productive focus group
• Analyzing the data

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Additional Assistance and Information

Technical Assistance
The NOAA Coastal Services Center offers assistance to communities interested in conducting focus groups. This assistance ranges from phone calls that answer questions to an extra pair of hands dedicated to your project. Contact the Center for more information - csc.info@noaa.gov