Focus group discussions
Focus groups are structured discussions in a group (8-10 participants) with a moderator. This is the optimal method when you need to find out the range of opinions of the audience or supplement your understanding of the differences in the views of different groups.
Format
A team of experienced recruiters and moderators is responsible for organizing and conducting qualitative research. Rating Group can also develop a guide for interviewers, which will include topics and questions for discussion.
The optimal duration is 90 minutes.
The optimal number of participants is 8.
FGDs are conducted in online or offline formats. The online format of FGDs is particularly useful in conditions of full-scale invasion and in general when it is necessary to survey respondents:
from hard-to-reach regions;
abroad;
who are simultaneously located in different regions of Ukraine.
Video and audio recording is possible. It is also possible to broadcast the FGD online for the Rating Group team of analysts, as well as for the client (upon request). The audio recording will be transcribed in the original language.
Sampling
Respondents can be selected according to the client's selection criteria.
Also, if a quantitative stage of research (survey) is conducted prior to the FGD, FGD participants can be selected from among the respondents of the quantitative stage.
Rating Group can provide a brief description of the composition of FGD participants by age, gender, profession, and other criteria.
Quality control
Before conducting the FGD, moderators undergo thorough training. Rating Group analysts review the recordings of pilot FGDs and, if necessary, make adjustments to the moderator's instructions and provide practical recommendations. A practice may be used whereby Rating Group moderator assistants/analysts review the focus group in real time, record their observations, and provide additional instructions to the moderator as needed.
To validate respondents' answers, an additional screening survey may be used before, during, or at the end of the FGD. In addition, moderators may use techniques such as control questions, clarifications to respondents, etc.
Supervisors and the team of analysts are instructed on quality control of focus groups and preparation of transcripts. While reviewing video recordings and listening to audio recordings of FGDs, supervisors and the team of analysts can identify aspects that require potential improvement or attention from the Rating Group and/or moderators. The Rating Group team also pays attention to the quality of the preparation of transcripts of recordings.
Rating Group may also apply a periodic practice of general quality control of moderators' work. In this case, FGD video/audio recordings are reviewed, and the moderator is given general recommendations for improving their work as a whole.
Data security and protection
Rating Group complies with all national laws and regulations regarding confidentiality and GDPR. All data collection, storage, and processing activities will be carried out in strict accordance with GDPR regulations. The company's activities fully comply with all industry standards set by CASRO and the ICC/ESOMAR Code.
Strict security measures are in place to protect all information for key informants and survey participants, as well as to prevent unauthorized access to personal data. No personal data (names, telephone numbers, or other contact details or addresses) is collected unless it is necessary for conducting interviews, and no personal data is linked to the data collected and analyzed during the research. Any processing of personal data will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR.
Research ethics
All Rating Group research is conducted inaccordance with the Ethical Code of the Sociological Association of Ukraineand the company's internal policies:
Each employee of the company undergoessystematic training on ethical and other aspects of data collection, management, and protection (including data use and storage) during employmentand during professional development.
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