Group size is a crucial factor when organizing a focus group. The optimum size is six to eight participants (excluding moderators). It is suggested to over recruit to avoid the risk of having potential non-attenders and a too small of a group that can limit the discussion and get unhelpful data. 

Ohio State University, Columbus

Key Factors to a Successful Focus Group

Gill, P., Stewart, K., Treasure, E., & Chadwick, B. (2008). Methods of data collection in qualitative research: interviews and focus groups. British dental journal, 204(6), 291–295. https://doi.org/10.1038/bdj.2008.192

Methods of data collection in qualitative research: interviews and focus groups

The makeup of focus groups requires good attention to detail to be really effective. There isn’t a perfect blueprint to a meaningful focus group but researchers should be mindful of how the different mix of ages, sexes, and social statuses of the participants will interact with each other before proceeding.

Composition

Interaction is essential to an effective focus group. Participants that are already familiar to each other can result in richer data by having shared experiences and a comfort to have discussion without fear of judgment. It is also easier to recruit pre-existing groups. Additionally, it’s been shown that stranger groups can elicit participants to speak freely as well.

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