Qualitative data collection to gather the views of program staff and participants is a critical component of research studies and program evaluation. Many of MDRC’s studies had planned to conduct in-person interviews and focus groups in 2020, and a previous Incubator post addressed considerations for choosing between the two types of data collection. Like most researchers, however, we are reconsidering those plans as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds.

Our research teams are looking at online platforms and considering the implications of moving in-person data collection to virtual settings. In this post, we consider implications of switching from in-person focus groups to virtual focus groups, highlighting some research findings and reflecting on our own experiences.

What is a virtual focus group?

Virtual focus group can be conducted in real time (that is, synchronous) or over a longer period at the convenience of participants (that is, asynchronous). Synchronous focus groups are similar to videoconferencing, while asynchronous focus groups are more like online message boards. This post focuses on synchronous focus groups. 

How do you decide between in-person and virtual synchronous focus groups?

We consider a number of factors when deciding whether to conduct an in-person or virtual synchronous focus group, summarized in the table below.

So, you’ve decided to switch from in-person to a virtual synchronous focus group — now what?

Research procedures

• Consider any additional risks that participants might face due to the move to remote data collection and how to mitigate those risks.
• Consider whether the move to virtual focus groups will exclude any participants and how you might mitigate access problems to support inclusivity and reduce selection bias.
• Submit any changes to the study protocols to your Institutional Review Board for approval before communicating with participants.
• Obtain consents and releases for recording the virtual focus group.

Planning the focus group experience

• Keep group sizes small. Three to six people is a good target but remember to over-recruit to allow for no-shows.
• Plan to use software features, including video, chat, and virtual hand-raising.
• Anticipate all aspects of technology that will be necessary for full participation and consider whether potential participants have access to the necessary technology (for instance, a webcam and an internet browser compatible with the meeting software).
• Consider whether all participants will have access to video conferencing. To support inclusivity, it is best if all are either on video or off video.
• Consider whether participants will have access to a quiet space and adjust protocols for the group if necessary (for instance, consider asking people to mute when not speaking).
• Send reminders about the upcoming session with notes on how to prep for participation (for example, finding a quiet place, getting the necessary technology, completing technical checks prior to the meeting).
• Test the software with your project team prior to the session. Use the same equipment you will use when leading the group, ensure that you can employ all the needed features, confirm that you have access to files you intend to broadcast, and confirm that potential participant login issues have been addressed.

Conducting the online synchronous focus group

• Start the session with a check to make sure everyone’s technology is working. Provide time for participants to practice the technology with you prior to the start of the focus group, if they would like to.
• Moderators should review the proper use of features and online etiquette before discussion starts.
• Consider video broadcast features to make the discussion more effective — for instance, display consent language as it is being reviewed or show a banner screen of the current topic to help keep the conversation focused.
• Expect and encourage a slower rhythm to the conversation than in an in-person focus group. Try “round robin” formats to avoid multiple people talking at once. Ask participants to “raise their hands” (a feature common in software) when they want to say something.
• Assign a role to a team member who is not facilitating to monitor the participation list to ensure everyone is engaged.

Processing information and following up

• Use a reputable vendor to provide online gift codes or electronic incentives to thank group members for their participation quickly and at low cost.
• Always protect personally identifiable information, including audio and video recordings, using storage and transfer protocols consistent with the project’s data security requirements.

Limiting in-person contact during the coronavirus pandemic has led researchers to reassess and adjust previous plans that involved in-person data collection. As this post describes, virtual, synchronous focus groups may be a suitable adaptation for data collection and can be successfully conducted with appropriate planning and support.