Developing Questions for Focus Groups

Richard Krueger is professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota. He is an internationally recognized authority on the use of focus group interviewing within the public environment. For 25 years he served as evaluation leader for the University of Minnesota Extension Service followed by 10 years teaching graduate courses in program evaluation and research methodology. He is a former president of the American Evaluation Association and a member of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. In his spare time he repairs his motorcycle, swaps stories with friends, and shops for tools at the local hardware store. Maybe you've seen him there.

PART ONE: THINKING ABOUT QUESTIONS Guiding Principles of Asking Questions The Topic Guide Versus the Questioning Route How and Where to Begin Sequence for Developing Questions PART TWO: THE ART AND MECHANICS OF ASKING GOOD QUESTIONS Categories of Questions Phrasing the Questions Sequencing the Questions Probes, Follow-Ups, and Unplanned Questions Know the Limits Changing Questions The Importance of Consistency Pilot Testing and Reviewing the Plan PART THREE: QUESTIONS THAT ENGAGE PARTICIPANTS Listing, Rating, and Choosing Questions Projective Questions Group Activities