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Moderating Focus Groups
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Moderating Focus Groups
A Practical Guide for Group Facilitation



November 1999 | 264 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

"Like every other agency research director, I suffer from focus-group anxiety. Pumping M&M's behind the one-way mirror, I'm monitoring the groups, the moderator and the client simultaneously. It's tough enough to manage the client's expectations and responses. Worrying about whether the moderator can effectively manage the content flow and the group dynamic makes the experience life threatening. Watching Tom moderate, I find myself constantly thinking, 'Wow, he's smart. I wish I thought of that. He's the best.'"

--George Scribner, Research Manager, Organic Inc.

"Dynamic, entertaining, and armed with information on new drugs and medical techniques that would challenge the knowledge of most physicians, Tom Greenbaum presides over an attentive yet relaxed group of medical specialists anxious to share their opinions and prejudices with this most charming of focus group moderators. Serving as a polished master of ceremonies, Mr. Greenbaum is able to work with the many individual styles of his physician panel and at the conclusion, leaves one with the sense of having participated in something important."

--Alan H. Richman, M.D., Chairman, Department of Radiology of Norwalk Hospital

"Tom Greenbaum is a highly effective moderator who has the special ability to quickly learn any subject matter and can conduct groups with expert knowledge. From the discussion guide to the final report, Tom works with speed and accuracy."

--Mark Alfonso, V. P. of Marketing, The Purdue Frederick Company

"Tom is one of the most competent and intuitive moderators I have ever worked with: not only does he have an impeccable understanding of the technical skills necessary for a successful moderator, he also has a unique and uncanny ability to foster and capitalize on the internal dynamics of any group."

--Joseph A. Ciaralli, The Prudential Insurance Company of America

"Thomas L. Greenbaum eats and breathes focus groups. If you want a definitive look at this research technique, you need to either live with the guru for a year or read his books."

--Dave Quincy, Clarion Marketing and Communications

The entire range of facilitation techniques is covered in this comprehensive handbook, from pre-session tips in participant recruitment to post-session reporting. Moderating Focus Groups covers all the fundamentals of successful group facilitation, and also includes a wealth of advanced techniques not found in other books on focus group research (on managing group dynamics, energizing a tired group, and digging deeper into the minds of participants.) Greenbaum also goes beyond the basics with chapters on how to build a business moderating focus groups, and how to price moderating services. While this book is particularly aimed at the needs of focus group practitioners, there is plenty of advice that will benefit anyone who conducts in-depth interviews or group facilitation. Additionally, the many people who hire moderators to facilitate their sessions will benefit from reading this book because it will provide them with valuable insights on how to evaluate their moderators' work.


 
Introduction
 
The Focus Group Methodology
 
Focus Groups Versus One-on-One ( In-Depth ) Interviews
 
Role of the Moderator
 
The Characteristics of a Successful Moderator
 
Preparation for Moderating
 
Recruiting Participants
 
Pre- and Post-Group Briefing
 
The Discussion Guide
 
External Stimuli
 
The Moderator Report
 
Moderating Fundamentals
 
Advanced Moderating Techniques
 
Unique Moderating Situations
 
Moderating Focus Groups Internationally
 
Building a Business Moderating Focus Groups
 
Pricing Focus Groups

"Thomas L. Greenbaum eats and breathes focus groups. If you want a definitive look at this research technique, you need either to live with the guru for a year or read his books." 

Dave Quincy
Clarion Marketing and Communications

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ISBN: 9781506320564

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