SurveyClub members will be given the opportunity to participate in a number of different types of focus groups. The focus group with Leprino cheese mentioned above is an example of a "Mini Focus Group". Below is a list of the different types of focus groups you may be asked to participate in if you become a SurveyClub member.
- Two-way focus group - one focus group watches another focus group and discusses the observed interactions and conclusion
- Dual moderator focus group - one moderator ensures the session progresses smoothly, while another ensures that all the topics are covered
- Dueling moderator focus group - two moderators deliberately take opposite sides on the issue under discussion
- Respondent moderator focus group - one and only one of the respondents are asked to act as the moderator temporarily
- Client participant focus groups - one or more client representatives participate in the discussion, either covertly or overtly
- Mini focus groups - groups are composed of four or five members rather than 6 to 12
- Teleconference focus groups - telephone network is used
- Online focus groups - computers connected via the internet are used
Focus groups are a good way to conduct research because often times they are less expensive than other forms of market research and they tend to provide accurate information regarding the product or service that is being evaluated. In some cases, focus groups can become expensive if the product or service needs to be marketed nationwide. When this is the case, it is important to conduct focus groups in different areas around the country because attitudes towards a new product can differ depending on local. By doing this, we can ensure that the research collected gives an accurate representation of people's opinions from different geographical areas. National focus groups are a lot of fun for SurveyClub members because members from all over the country participate in the same study. When the study is complete, SurveyClub members have an opportunity to share their experience with members who participated in the same study in a different city. You will be able to share what you liked and didn't like. Sometimes SurveyClub will survey its members regarding the focus group they participated in and will share the answers to that survey with the company that conducted the focus group.