Overview - A brief history of focus groups, guidelines about when to use focus groups and why, and a discussion of ethical issues involved in focus group research.

Planning Focus Groups - The decision that will need to be made and the tasks that will need to be accomplished for successful focus group research, including group size and composition, timelines and budgets.

Recruitment - Helpful tips on identifying appropriate participants for focus groups, recruiting them, and ensuring adequate show rates.

Developing Questions for Focus Groups - Participants will learn about different types of focus group discussion guides, and how to develop good questions.

Moderating Focus Groups - This section will emphasize the critical skills needed by focus group moderators, and suggested strategies for handling difficult situations.

Analyzing and Reporting Focus Group Results - Participants will learn about strategies for managing and analyzing focus group data in a timely and systematic manner, and reporting the results in ways that are accessible to different audiences.

Involving Community Members - Suggestions for different ways to make focus group research a collaborating process among community members, service providers and academic researchers.

Resources - How to find additional information and assistance in conducting focus group research.