Agenda Packets - 1996/02/12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Limitations of Focus Group Data Focus group data is not a research based gathering of material. Where as these focus groups were designed to recruit a random sample of the population of the city of Mounds View, participation was truly voluntary with no compensation being offered for participation. Focus groups of this nature tend to attract persons that have a genuine desire to be involved, but may also involve those who have an "ax to grind" or those who may have a personal monetary stake in any decision. Properly utilized focus groups are an excellent method of generating hypotheses about a particular issue. While it is the facilitator's responsibility to generate comment from all participants, group dynamics may dictate direction in certain areas to the exclusion of others. On the other hand, group interaction is present that may stimulate new thought from participants. In interpreting data, be reminded that the most discussion usually occurs in the early part of the focus group. As the group continues, participants usually do not generate as many comments as in the earlier part. "It must be remembered that this is a qualitative study and as such represents the opinions of a very small sample... These findings should not be used as the sole criterion upon which to base any decision."2 These findings should be used by the Community Connections Committee, the City Council of the City of Mounds View and the District 621 School Board to stimulate discussion, generate ideas and to identify issues and opportunities. Further this data • can be used to better understand attitudes and concerns and can be used as one piece of information in the decision process. • 2 Using Focus Groups, The Management Center College of St. Thomas, 1989.