Skip to content
phdguide

Focus Group Guide

A moderator guide for running a focus group — ground rules, discussion flow and prompts.

Focus Group Guide

Instruments · PDF template

Setup

6–10 participants, 60–90 minutes.

Moderator + note-taker.

Consent and recording permissions.

Ground Rules

One person speaks at a time.

All views are welcome; there are no wrong answers.

Respect confidentiality within the group.

Opening

Introductions and an easy warm-up question.

Discussion Topics

Topic 1 — key prompt + follow-ups

Topic 2 — key prompt + follow-ups

Topic 3 — key prompt + follow-ups

Wrap-up

Summarise key points and check for agreement.

Final thoughts from each participant.

Template provided by phdguide — academic support, mentoring, analysis, editing and structuring; not authorship. Your work stays compliant with university policies.

Need help applying this to your research?

Book a free consult and we'll tailor it to your topic, stage and university format.

Ethical, compliant guidance

We provide academic support, mentoring, analysis, editing and structuring — not authorship. Your work stays compliant with university policies.