98 Figure 29 <strong>OTIS</strong> <strong>Evaluation</strong> <strong>Guide</strong> • March 2007
How many times will this focus group be conducted? If necessary, the same discussion topic can be repeated among different groups, particularly if you want opinions from diverse groups such as those discussed in the question below. However, if you want to have one or more focus groups to discuss a different topic: • Click “Add Collection <strong>of</strong> Process Data Activity” • Click “Focus Group” again to add detailed information about the new focus group. What are the criteria to select the participants or who will be in the group(s)? Based on your discussion topic, you may want criteria that identify individuals by smoking behavior, age group, gender, ethnic background, geographic location (urban, rural, suburban), education level, marital status, whether or not they have children, etc. Using your criteria, you can then recruit participants randomly (e.g., through help wanted ads) or purposefully. If you know a group <strong>of</strong> people who have the best knowledge and appropriate background for the discussion topic, you can use a less common approach, such as purposely inviting them to form a focus group. How many participants will be in this group? This question can be answered by selecting the appropriate number from a drop down menu. The question specifically asks for the number <strong>of</strong> participants in the focus group being discussed, not the total number <strong>of</strong> participants in all focus groups to be conducted. Normally, a focus group consists <strong>of</strong> 8-10 participants. Too large a group will distract the discussion and discourage some minority opinions, while too small a group will result in less discussion. How will the results be analyzed and interpreted? Normally, a content analysis will be carried out to summarize participants’ individual points <strong>of</strong> view as well as identify common themes. Displaying the data in a table with percentages is helpful visually. The results <strong>of</strong> a focus group discussion serve many needs; therefore, the interpretation should focus on how the opinions shed light on future interventions. For example, focus group results can be used as part <strong>of</strong> an in-depth needs assessment, a tool for program planning, an indicator <strong>of</strong> needed program modifications (on intervention activities), or an aid to developing messages or materials. 2. Key Informant Interview The questions in the “Key Informant Interview ” form can be seen in Figure 29. Note that some <strong>of</strong> the questions and answers are similar to those for focus groups. What existing instrument will be used for the interview? If there is no existing instrument, please describe the main topic(s) and question(s) for the interview. Most likely, your program has to develop its own instrument for the key informant interview. The key informant interview is more flexible than the focus group in its aspect <strong>of</strong> allowing multiple topics. It is preferable that all the questions and topics are related so the informant has the knowledge <strong>of</strong> all your inquiries. The topics can be related to the planning, as well as monitoring, <strong>of</strong> intervention activities. How many waves <strong>of</strong> the interviews will be conducted? Key informant interviews are <strong>of</strong>ten part <strong>of</strong> an in-depth needs assessment, but can be conducted in multiple waves. The purpose <strong>of</strong> two or more waves is to compare responses before and after intervention in order to determine if there is a difference. <strong>OTIS</strong> <strong>Evaluation</strong> <strong>Guide</strong> • March 2007 99