What to expect

A focus group is a form of research in which a group of people are asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes towards a product, service, concept, advertisement, or idea. Questions are asked in an interactive group setting where participants are free to talk with other group members.  Generally the focus group will consist of 8 participants and a moderator who facilitates the conversation.

On arrival at the Social Research Centre, you will be greeted by our host, who will ask you to sign a consent form to show that you have attended and agreed to participate in the research project.  When all participants have arrived you will be invited into the group room where there is a table to sit around, and light refreshments provided.

Research sessions are usually recorded and you will be asked permission before we do so.  The recordings are used for analysis of the project and will not be used for any other purpose without your full knowledge and consent.  With your consent, people from organisations involved in the research project may sometimes view the group discussion via a one way mirror, television, or a remote monitor.  You will be informed if anyone is viewing.

Generally the moderator will introduce the topic that is going to be discussed and allow the conversation to flow freely, and guiding it so that we may gather the information that our client has asked us to find out.  Please keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers in a group discussion, merely opinions.  As with everywhere in society you may not agree with everyone’s opinions, and it is important to let us know why you don’t agree, however this must be done with respect to the others in the group.

The most important thing to remember is that the discussion is meant to be informal, honest, interesting, and fun. 

We look forward to talking with you soon.

Getting to the Focus Group

To view the location of our Focus Groups, click here

To view the location of our Focus Groups using public transport, click here

To view information about the available parking in the vicinity, click here