focus group

A group typically of six to 12 people convened to discuss a specific issue or single topic, often with the aid of questionnaires and a moderator who actively keeps the conversation oriented to that topic. Such groups are often established to acquire information and generate ideas that would not be as accessible through individual interviews. Focus groups are frequently used in social group work and community organization and may include the nominal group technique, the Delphi method, and brainstorming.