Focus group education providers are a necessary component of focus group research. For over two decades focus groups have been a popular form of market research; however, inexperienced moderators often generate unreliable data which leads to poor results. Let a focus group education help you get the definitive results your business needs and maximize your investment.

Focus group training can provide guidance in recruiting the right participants, selecting a location, determining the number of focus groups to conduct and assistance with report preparation. The most important aspect of focus group training relates to moderator training since the moderator is key to obtaining the data you desire. Focus group education information is available for:

1. Focus group training information on interviewing and probing

2. Focus group education on facilitation and managing group dynamics

3. Training on moderator techniques and creating moderator guides

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop interview techniques with focus group training

A focus group education supplier can help your moderator create a plan that will go beyond superficial data collection. Interviewing and probing skills can get to the heart of the matter when working with focus group participants. This training will teach the moderator to gauge the emotional impact of their questions and adjust them to get the necessary data.

I recommend: RIVA Training Institute is the industry leader in focus group training. Their fundamental course teaches moderators how to draft questions for the best data gathering and interviewing techniques to elicit the most profound responses. Schlesinger Associates offers training with a global reach. Their expertise in interviewing techniques will enhance your focus group results.

Manage groups effectively with focus group education

Focus group education providers also provide guidance in managing group dynamics to obtain higher levels of research. Moderators that work effectively with challenging participants are able to identify subtle data that an inexperienced moderator might miss.

I recommend: The Burke Institute is a respected leader in market research training. Their moderator training is designed to teach participants the best way to interact with the group contributors and how to manage difficult focus group members. The Option Institute's experimental program shows moderators how to master the art of guiding discussions and managing complex group dynamics.

Lead expert data gathering sessions with focus group training providers

Focus group training provides the opportunity to observe experienced moderators in action and get immediate feedback on their own presentations. This instruction is invaluable experience that will build confidence and hone their skills to maximize your investment.

I recommend: The focus group education site for Group Dimensions International offers an intensive workshop designed to enhance moderation skills. Participants leave the training with a recruitment plan and moderator guide ready for use. Sharpen the Focus Institute provides a number of classes designed to hone moderator skills. Their Method Moderator training includes techniques that employ a more creative process to mine deeper emotional responses from participants.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The American Marketing Association is a great resource for learning more about focus groups and sports a focus group education directory.