Explain the differences between focus groups and key informant interviews

Answer 1

Focus groups are small groups of individuals that come together for a brief period to discuss behavior, attitudes, beliefs, and other antecedents in a group setting. The individuals included in the focus group typically have a trait or behavior in common, such as being registered voters, cigarette smokers, or parents of children who attend the same school. The purpose of the focus group is to assess individual perceptions about particular behaviors. Knowledge, beliefs, and demographic and other predisposing factors can be assessed via focus groups. Focus groups are facilitated by a trained moderator and follow a semi-structured facilitator's guide. Information from multiple groups can then be analyzed for topical themes.
Key informant interviews are similar in style to focus groups but are conducted in a one-on-one format. An interviewer facilitates a discussion with an individual who is considered to have direct information about the behavior, the antecedents, and/or the settings in which the behavior takes place. Like focus groups, key informant interviews are intended to assess the interviewee's individual perceptions about particular behaviors; however, the key informant may or may not be a member of the target audience. The interviews are facilitated by a trained interviewer and follow a semi-structured facilitator's guide with set themes and planned probing questions. To develop a multidimensional understanding of perceived factors, multiple key informant interviews should be completed. Interviews should be conducted with individuals who engage in the behavior, program planners, policy makers, and others who have important information about the behavior.

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