Generally accepted characteristics of focus group participants
Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2025 6:20 am
Any team process implies a hierarchical organization. If all respondents actively participate in the discussion, then it is established in some 15 or a little more minutes. The consequence of this is a differentiated distribution of group participants into the roles they play and how they are perceived by others. Otherwise, each respondent will communicate only with the moderator and answer his questions. Thus, the key factor of focus group work disappears, namely, collective social dynamics and interaction within the team. Let's consider the common positions of respondents.
Constructive Respondents
"Authority". As a rule, this is an experienced person whose status commands respect. Such people do not always strive to become a group leader; most often, they are characterized by benevolent behavior.
"Moderator's ally" - This is the person who makes any attempt to protect the moderator from verbal altercations, and acts as a calming role model for the rest of the participants.
Reserved. They make up the botim database overwhelming majority of the group. Their upbringing, sense of tact or other individual qualities do not allow them to come to the fore.
Shy. Such participants are characterized by insecurity, they do not strive to be active in the discussion and are afraid to express their opinion, which does not coincide with the point of view of others.
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Destructive positions
"Alternative leader", characterized by the desire to take a dominant position. Tries to compete with the moderator.
"Antagonist". Tries to express a critical view of the problem on any discussed issue. There are "rational antagonists" who demonstrate a negative attitude in a restrained and reasoned manner, and "intimidators" who challenge the leader by asking him difficult and uncomfortable questions that go beyond the necessary knowledge or challenge the very expediency and legality of the research.
The "broadcaster" opposes the moderator by dressing his point of view in abstractions and vague generalizations, most often unsuccessful. He explains his behavior by previous experience, so that his arguments are not related to the points under discussion.
The "Dominator" is characterized by his persistence, a tendency to make long speeches, and wants to be a leader. His main goal is not group interaction, but self-presentation. The moderator has to restrain such people, otherwise long dialogues of one person will take a lot of time.
Characteristics of focus group participants
The "clarifier" lacks the ability to generalize simple circumstances that relate to everyday life, and he also requires constant detailing of tasks and questions.
The "whisperer" constantly distracts other respondents with his/her conversations. And although such behavior is not considered hostile, it is certainly not useful for group discussion.
A certain part of the group participants can simultaneously play not one, but several roles. This depends on the course of the discussion, determined by the moderator.
In order to create the necessary atmosphere and stimulate social dynamics, there are a sufficient number of methodological techniques that are aimed at neutralizing “dominators” and “antagonists”, pushing inactive respondents to discussion, etc.
Constructive Respondents
"Authority". As a rule, this is an experienced person whose status commands respect. Such people do not always strive to become a group leader; most often, they are characterized by benevolent behavior.
"Moderator's ally" - This is the person who makes any attempt to protect the moderator from verbal altercations, and acts as a calming role model for the rest of the participants.
Reserved. They make up the botim database overwhelming majority of the group. Their upbringing, sense of tact or other individual qualities do not allow them to come to the fore.
Shy. Such participants are characterized by insecurity, they do not strive to be active in the discussion and are afraid to express their opinion, which does not coincide with the point of view of others.
Read also!
"Selling price list: 5 marketing tricks + 10 tips for design"
Read more
Destructive positions
"Alternative leader", characterized by the desire to take a dominant position. Tries to compete with the moderator.
"Antagonist". Tries to express a critical view of the problem on any discussed issue. There are "rational antagonists" who demonstrate a negative attitude in a restrained and reasoned manner, and "intimidators" who challenge the leader by asking him difficult and uncomfortable questions that go beyond the necessary knowledge or challenge the very expediency and legality of the research.
The "broadcaster" opposes the moderator by dressing his point of view in abstractions and vague generalizations, most often unsuccessful. He explains his behavior by previous experience, so that his arguments are not related to the points under discussion.
The "Dominator" is characterized by his persistence, a tendency to make long speeches, and wants to be a leader. His main goal is not group interaction, but self-presentation. The moderator has to restrain such people, otherwise long dialogues of one person will take a lot of time.
Characteristics of focus group participants
The "clarifier" lacks the ability to generalize simple circumstances that relate to everyday life, and he also requires constant detailing of tasks and questions.
The "whisperer" constantly distracts other respondents with his/her conversations. And although such behavior is not considered hostile, it is certainly not useful for group discussion.
A certain part of the group participants can simultaneously play not one, but several roles. This depends on the course of the discussion, determined by the moderator.
In order to create the necessary atmosphere and stimulate social dynamics, there are a sufficient number of methodological techniques that are aimed at neutralizing “dominators” and “antagonists”, pushing inactive respondents to discussion, etc.