Designing and Conducting Focus Group Interviews
March 18-21, 2013 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
About the Course
Focus groups are useful prior to, during and after programs, events or experiences. They are helpful in assessing needs, generating information, developing plans, testing new programs and ideas, improving existing programs and evaluating outcomes.
This workshop is an interactive, intensive (yet enjoyable) overview of focus group procedures that can be used in public and non-profit environments. Practical approaches to determining the appropriate use of focus group studies, design options, developing questions, recruiting participants, moderating skills, and analyzing and reporting results are emphasized.
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Describe the process and procedures for planning successful focus group studies
- Demonstrate ability to moderate focus groups
- Develop workable and useful questions for focus group studies
- Identify several strategies for analyzing focus group results
About the Instructor
Richard A. Krueger, PhD, is a University of Minnesota professor emeritus. He taught qualitative research methods and program evaluation and served as the evaluation leader for the University of Minnesota Extension Service for over twenty years. Although trained as a quantitative researcher, Dr. Krueger teaches courses and workshops on focus group interviews throughout the United States and internationally.
Tentative Workshop Schedule
| DAY 1 | |
| 8:15 a.m. | Final Registration and Refreshments |
| 8:30 a.m. | Introductions Overview of Focus Groups |
| 10 a.m. | A Focus Group Experience and Moderator Skills How Organizations Are Using Focus Groups |
| 12 p.m. | Lunch (provided) |
| 1 p.m. | Questions and Additional Topics Asking Questions That Yield Powerful Information |
| 2 p.m. | Developing a Questioning Route |
| 3 p.m. | Break |
| 3:15 p.m. | Analysis – Part 1 |
| 4 p.m. | Adjourn |
| DAY 2 | |
| 8:15 a.m. | Check-In and Refreshments |
| 8:30 a.m. | Application: Practice Sessions |
| 10:45 a.m. | Analysis of Focus Groups |
| 12 p.m. | Lunch (provided) |
| 1 p.m. | Application: Analysis Practice |
| 2:15 p.m. | Selecting, Inviting, Incentives and Recruiting Focus Group Participants |
| 3:15 p.m. | Equipment, Environment and Participants Determining the Cost of a Focus Group Study Reporting Focus Group Results Summary and Evaluation |
| 4 p.m. | Adjourn |
Non-Credit Continuing Education Registration
The registration fee of $350 includes all program sessions, course materials, refreshments and lunch each day. Payment of fees should accompany your completed registration form. You will receive a confirmation letter with additional program details, parking information and the location of the workshop classroom.
Requests for refunds will be honored in full if a written cancellation request is received 7 days prior to the course date. After that date, a $50 administration fee will be charged to all refund requests. The Centers for Public Health Education and Outreach (CPHEO) reserves the right to cancel any course. In the event of a course cancellation, registrants will receive a full refund of the program registration fee. CPHEO is not responsible for refund of travel or other costs incurred by registrants.
The Centers for Public Health Education and Outreach will provide a certificate of attendance verifying 1.5 CEUs (15 continuing education hours) offered for this program.
Graduate Credit Option
Admitted Students:
Participants admitted to a University of Minnesota degree program will follow University of Minnesota registration procedures for spring semester. The course is PubH 7250 and is offered for one semester graduate credit.
Non Admitted Students:
Participants who are not admitted to a University of Minnesota degree program may also register for graduate credit. Complete the form above and email or fax (612-626-4525) to Meghan Taylor, who will complete your registration for the course. Parts 1, 2, and 4 of the form must be completed by the student. Non-admitted students must make arrangements for University of Minnesota credit by March 1, 2013. If you have questions or need help registering, please call either 612-626-8434 or 612-624-6952.
Fees:
Participants taking the course for University of Minnesota graduate credit will be assessed a fee of $120 for materials, food service and incidental costs that are not included with tuition. You will be billed for tuition and fees through your University of Minnesota student account. In addition to the $120 fee, other student fees may apply depending upon your student status and credit load for spring semester. Tuition and fees for students enrolled in other University of Minnesota colleges and departments apply.
Enrollment is limited. Early registration is encouraged.
Parking & Hotel Accommodations
Public parking is available in the Maroon Lot. The daily rate is $4.00
Ask for the University of Minnesota rate when making your reservations. Both hotels offer free shuttle service.
Days Inn University
2407 University Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-623-3999
The Commons Hotel
615 Washington Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
1-800-822-6757