Voevodins' Library _ "Focus Groups" 3rd edition / Richard A. Krueger & Mary Anne Casey ... Interview, People, Discussion, Decision Making, Development, Single-Category Design, Multiple-Category Design, Double-Layer Design, Broad-Involvement Design, Audience, Written Plan, Questioning Route, Categories of Questions, Opening Questions, Introductory Questions, Transition Questions, Key Questions, Ending Questions, Campaign, Strategies for Selecting Participants, Sampling Procedures for Focus Groups, Moderating Skills, Moderator, Discussion, Head Nodding, Question, Analysis Strategies, Long-Table Approach, Using the Computer to Help Manage the Data, Rapid Approach, Sound Approach, Principles of Reporting, Written Reports, Narrative Report, Top-Line Report, Bulleted Report, Report Letter to Participants, Oral Reports, Styles of Focus Group Research, Telephone Focus Groups, Internet Focus Groups, Media Focus Groups Voevodin's Library: Interview, People, Discussion, Decision Making, Development, Single-Category Design, Multiple-Category Design, Double-Layer Design, Broad-Involvement Design, Audience, Written Plan, Questioning Route, Categories of Questions, Opening Questions, Introductory Questions, Transition Questions, Key Questions, Ending Questions, Campaign, Strategies for Selecting Participants, Sampling Procedures for Focus Groups, Moderating Skills, Moderator, Discussion, Head Nodding, Question, Analysis Strategies, Long-Table Approach, Using the Computer to Help Manage the Data, Rapid Approach, Sound Approach, Principles of Reporting, Written Reports, Narrative Report, Top-Line Report, Bulleted Report, Report Letter to Participants, Oral Reports, Styles of Focus Group Research, Telephone Focus Groups, Internet Focus Groups, Media Focus Groups


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Written Reports
People have better ways to spend their time than laboring over dry, confusing reports. At least we do. We are constantly trying to learn how to better communicate ideas. We've picked up these tips from colleagues, and we use many of these ourselves. Try them.
Study Popular Writing
Study popular news magazines. Notice how the writing flows and entices the reader to continue. Note how boxes, sidebars, and visuals help convey the messages. Consider what strategies you can use in your writing.
Realistically Assess Your Own Ability
When was the last time you had a professional help you with your writing? Take a refresher class. Seek out a group to give you feedback.
Consider finding a personal coach. At a minimum, use the computer to get an estimate of the reading level of your text.
Find What Helps You Write
Preferences and styles vary greatly. Some people thrive as deadlines zoom closer. Others crumble. Some writers have a special time of day when words leap out. Some have a special place. Some write from outlines and others from inspiration. A few can write anytime, anywhere, under any conditions.
Little goals help us write. They make the task seem doable. Then we give ourselves little rewards. Like, "I have to write three pages a day until this is done. After three pages I can do anything I want." Or, "If I write for four hours I'll take a motorcycle ride." Often we exceed our little goals because once we get going it seems easy. The little goals and rewards get us started. It's a lot easier to face writing three pages today than it is to think about writing a whole report, article, chapter, or book. Those feel overwhelming. "It will take forever, and I will never get to see sunlight again." However, "Three pages? No problem. I'll see sunlight this afternoon!" Reflect on what helps you write. If something isn't working, try a different approach.
Edit Ruthlessly and
Plan for Multiple Revisions
Never assume that the first draft will be your final draft. In fact, let your first draft be crummy. Just get it down. Then edit. Quality writing comes from feedback loops. Build in these loops from the beginning, allow time in the schedule for feedback, and seek out constructive comments.
Dazzle With Your Ideas- Not With Fancy Words
Some writers use complex, arcane language instead of clear, straightforward prose. The ideas, the concepts, and the findings should not be overshadowed by showy language. (Incidentally, the parallel in the oral report is when something about the speaker draws attention away from the content.) In focus groups we phrase questions using the words the people in the group would use to talk about a topic. Consider doing the same thing with the report. When conveying the results, use language the audience would use. Your goal is to communicate to others. Make your report easy for them to understand.
Make the Report Visually Attractive
Whether we like it or not, books are sometimes judged by their covers. The look and feel of the written report are important. Does it look professional? Does it look like care and attention went into the document? Is it designed to keep the readers' attention? Does it guide their eyes over the document? Seek professional help in design, take a class to improve your skills, or, if nothing else, keep a file of attractive, well-designed reports to serve as models.
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