Skip to main content
Public Health Workforce Training
Link to beginning section of Facilitating Focus Groups

Course Description

Overview

In this video-based training program, participants sit in on a mock focus group and watch as the moderator models different techniques to carry out the focus group. The program addresses techniques including ice-breaker exercises, validation techniques, and other strategies to probe group members for clarity and deeper meaning, while encouraging group interactions and active conversation.

Who should take this course?

This course is designed for individuals who have a background in designing or implementing quantitative research and who would like to expand their work to include conducting focus groups. The course is ideal for those with a Master’s in public health or another social/behavioral or health science discipline or who have equivalent experience in the design or conduct of quantitative research.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:

  • Identify focus group standards for planning and logistics.
  • Moderate a focus group utilizing listening, open-ended questioning, and probing techniques while encouraging active participation.
  • Manage the logistical execution of the focus group with attention to conversation flow, group participation, and time-keeping.

Prerequisites

Through prior training or experience, students are expected to have some background knowledge of the following topics:

  • Qualitative research methods
  • Focus group research

For those without this background knowledge, it is recommended that you complete the follow training before beginning this program: Introduction to Qualitative Research.

Continuing Education Credits

1 Category I CECH in health education. This activity is sponsored by the Rutgers University Center for Public Health Workforce Development, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for the CHES to receive 1 Category I CECH in health education.

1 CPH credit. The Region 2 Public Health Training Center is a NBPHE pre-approved provider of CPH continuing education credits. 1 CPH CE will be awarded for participation in this activity.

Estimated time to complete

30 minutes.