Focus groups - Richard A. Krueger

`I read this book in a single sitting. It is written in an enthusiastic, helpful and clear style that held my attention, and made me want to read what came next. I shall read it again in a single sitting - probably more than once. For it offers common-sense advice about planning and running focus groups which I will want to revisit - British Journal of Education Technology

The Third Edition of the `standard for learning how to conduct a focus group contains: a new chapter comparing and contrasting market research, academic, nonprofit and participatory approaches to focus group research; expanded descriptions on how to plan focus group studies and do the analysis, including step-by-step procedures; examples of questions that ask participants to do more than just discuss, and suggestions on how to answer questions about your focus group research.

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.

"Richard Krueger and Mary Anne Casey have prepared a detailed, step-by-step roadmap of how to design, prepare for, implement, analyze, and report on focus groups. They give detailed discussions of issues to consider, tips, and warnings to help prepare for the expected and unexpected. The book informs the novice focus group user and provides insight for the seasoned focus group practitioner."

"This book is packed with sound advice and detailed approaches, making this method a success. . .
If you are even thinking about doing any kind of group interview, this is the place to start."

"We want people to listen to us. . . . Focus group interviewing is about listening. It is about paying attention. . . . being nonjudgmental. . . . When used appropriately, the process improves listening and the results can be used to benefit people who shared the information. And people go away feeling good about having been heard."