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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Two Moderators
The structure of the focus group can be modified to accommodate two moderators. Moderators work together but represent different levels of expertise with focus groups and the topic of discussion. For example, one moderator may be an expert in conducting focus groups and a generalist on the topic of discussion, whereas the second moderator might know little about focus groups but be a specialist in the topic. In effect, this procedure allows for a subject matter expert in the focus groups but not in a manner that will unduly influence the group. Suppose that a community center wants to build a new recreational unit and decides to conduct a series of focus groups with members of the community. The moderator with expertise in focus groups might be complemented with a moderator with an architectural background who could present information on various alternative ideas suggested by the participants. This differs from the normal moderator and assistant moderator role because the second person regularly talks and presents information in the focus group, whereas normally, the assistant moderator is primarily a listener and note taker.
A variation of the use of complementary moderators is to have the sponsor of the focus group serve as the second moderator. This might include the director of the nonprofit agency or a member of the board of directors. These situations require caution because these individuals tend to be rather defensive and overreact when they hear negative comments. When they hear comments about things that are untrue, they want to make corrections. Furthermore, if this second moderator is an individual with local prominence or is in a respected position, the participants may be reluctant to provide candid feedback. If you decide to use this approach, be sure to select the person carefully and then carefully review expectations and remind him or her of appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
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