---
title: "Short note: Focus group discussion"
subject: "Technology, Environment and Society"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_7/technology_environment_and_society:focus-group-discussion"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/focus-group-discussion
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Focus group discussion

Technology, Environment and Society · Chapter 2: Development Approach

- Asked in: 2074 Chaitra, 4 marks; 2074 Asoj, 4 marks; 2071 Chaitra, 4 marks (asked 3 times)
- Video: [How To Run A Successful Focus Group in 5 Easy To Follow Steps](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjQtu6yeC1E) — Spiel Creative
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/focus-group-discussion
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/chapter-2

## Question

Write a short note on focus group discussion.

## Short answer

A focus group discussion is a qualitative method where 6 to 12 people with similar backgrounds discuss a topic under a facilitator. It gives in-depth views and is quick and low-cost, but results cannot be generalised and a skilled facilitator is needed.

## Answer

A **focus group discussion (FGD)** is a qualitative, participatory method of collecting information in which a small group of people with similar background or experience discuss a specific topic under the guidance of a trained **facilitator (moderator)**. It is widely used in PRA and in community development and social research.

**Features:**
- Group size of about **6–12 participants**, usually homogeneous (e.g. only women, only farmers, only youths) so that people speak freely.
- A facilitator guides the discussion using a checklist of open-ended questions; a **note-taker** records the discussion.
- Usually lasts **1–2 hours** in a comfortable local place.
- Participants interact with each other, so opinions, beliefs and reasons come out, not just yes/no answers.

**Steps:** define the objective → select participants → prepare the guide questions → conduct the discussion (introduction, main questions, summary) → record → analyse and report.

**Uses:** identifying community needs and problems, getting feedback on a proposed project (e.g. a drinking water scheme or road alignment), evaluating a project, understanding attitudes about health and sanitation.

**Advantages:** quick and low-cost; gives in-depth views; involves people and builds ownership; useful for illiterate respondents.

**Limitations:** dominant persons may control the discussion; results cannot be generalised statistically; needs a skilled facilitator; sensitive issues may not be discussed openly.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. A focus group discussion is:
   A. A large public rally
   B. A qualitative method where a small group discusses a topic guided by a facilitator
   C. A survey with yes/no answers only
   D. A solo interview
   Answer: B. A small group with similar background discusses a topic under a trained facilitator. (Key point: FGD definition)

2. The usual FGD size is:
   A. 2-3 persons
   B. 6-12 persons
   C. 30-50 persons
   D. 100 persons
   Answer: B. About 6-12 participants, usually homogeneous. (Key point: Group size)

3. Why are FGD participants usually from similar backgrounds?
   A. So people speak freely
   B. To save money
   C. To make it shorter
   D. To avoid a facilitator
   Answer: A. Similarity (e.g. only women) lets participants speak freely. (Key point: Why homogeneous group)

4. A limitation of FGD is:
   A. Results can be statistically generalised
   B. Dominant persons may control the discussion
   C. It is costly
   D. It gives only shallow views
   Answer: B. Dominant persons, no statistical generalisation, need for skilled facilitator and sensitive issues are limits. (Key point: Limitation)

## Related in Technology, Environment and Society

- [Structured questionnaires and focus group meeting](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Astructured-questionnaire-fgd) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 2

## Related in other subjects

- [Group discussion and participation techniques](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Agroup-discussion-techniques) — Communication English, chapter 4