BUS 3542

AUTUMN 2000

DR. REGINA P. SCHLEE

1. Select a group of 2-3 other research students you want to work with on this assignment. Select topic. It is best to choose a topic of interest to other SPU students, otherwise it will be difficult to recruit enough people for your focus group. Remember as your group is getting started, it is important for everyone to contribute to the group process. One way to assure that everyone participates is to create a positive atmosphere among group members. There is often too much emphasis on "leading" a group. I would rather have revolving leadership roles, so that everyone in the group contributes to the best of their abilities. If someone is not actively participating in the group, I expect that group members will attempt to reach out and try to involve him or her. If efforts to motivate a group member fail, others in the group should complete that individual’s sections. The grade of those who are not contributing will be reflect their lack of participation in the group process.

2. Do some exploratory research on the topic. You may want to do some library research to understand the topic better, you may also do some informal interviews with people to get different points of view. I want you to include your exploratory research in your report.

3. Complete the focus group discussion guide. An example of a discussion guide can be found on pages 137-138 in your textbook.

4. Reserve a room or lounge for the focus group. This step should be done at the same time as Step 3. While a couple of group members are working on the outline, someone else should secure a room for your group.

5. Recruit 10 to 12 people for your focus group. Recruiting responsibilities should be shared among group members. The choice of topic will greatly influence people’s willingness to participate in your focus group. The choice of time and day will affect whether they will show up at the designated time and place. Avoid conflicts with major SPU events. I will be satisfied if 6 to 7 people show up for your focus group. Smaller groups do not provide you with enough diversity of opinions.

6. Decide who will be the moderator and who will record. One student will moderate the focus group discussion, 2 to 3 students will take notes. Both these roles are equally important. The moderator should record his or her reflections on what took place after the focus group is completed.

7. Buy some sodas and cookies for the focus group participants.

8. Conduct the focus group. The moderator should follow the discussion guide. The note takers should take detailed notes.

9. Prepare the report. The report should include the following:

a. an introduction to the topic,

b. a detailed summary of people’s responses to moderator questions,

c. recommendations for action,

d. an appendix which includes your exploratory research, each group member’s notes, and any handouts, drawings, etc. that were completed by focus group participants.

Submit your report and present your findings. Group members will be asked to evaluate each other’s contributions.

DUE DATE FOR PRESENTATION: October 23

DUE DATE FOR REPORT: October 27