Thinking about questions

An important step in preparing for the focus group interview is to develop a set of questions that
encourages group discussion. Good questions are conversational and natural. They are usually
short, open-ended, and one-dimensional—that is, they ask only one question at a time.
There are five general types of focus group questions, usually asked in the following order:

Opening questions are designed to get people talking and feeling comfortable. They 
should be easy to answer, but should not emphasize differences among group 
members.
Example: Tell us your name and how long you have been participating in the program.

Introductory questions are designed to get the group to start thinking about the topic at 
hand. They help focus the conversation.
Example: How was it that you first learned about the program?

Transition questions provide a link between the introductory questions and the key 
questions. They typically require more thought/reflection than the introductory questions.
Example: Think back to when you first became involved with the program. What were your first
impressions?

Key questions focus on the major areas of concern. Plan on devoting most of the 
session to discussion of these questions.
Example: In what way is your life different because of your participation in the program?

Ending questions bring the session to a close.
Example: Is there anything we should have talked about, but didn’t?

The specific order that you ask the questions is called the questioning route. A good questioning
route has an easy beginning, flows logically and naturally from one question to another, and
moves from the general to the specific. It is important to estimate the time required to exhaust
the discussion on each question. These time estimates can be used to help manage the focus
group discussion.

Citation: Rennekamp, R.A & Nall, M.A. Using Focus Groups in Program Development and Evaluation.