| Focus group are
similar to surveys, but last much longer. In a focus
group a specific product or service is discussed in
detail. A Focus group may be conducted online or in
person. Most Focus groups have a "screener". Under
a screener you are asked a few questions to find out
whether you are eligible for the focus group. These
screeners are used because some information is not
present with these survey sites which is necessary
to be eligible for surveys. For example a survey
site is conducting a survey for Product X to find
out why it is not selling & why its competing
product (Product A) is selling very well. In the
screener you are asked if you use either product X
or A, all people who use either product X or A are
selected.
All aspects of a product/service is discussed.
The product or service may be a TV, a restaurant,
etc. Panelists are asked why they like or dislike
the product/service, what are their expectations,
what needs to be improved, etc. Also the questions
in a focus group are more open ended so panelists
can completely convey what they feel about a
product/service. Sometimes instead of naming the
product/service, the general category is named.
A Focus group wants to find out not only what
your opinion of a product/service is but also what
has shaped your experience of the product/service.
So a Focus group can be a lot of fun.
Focus groups last between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The compensation for Focus groups is typically
US$50-US$200 in cash or a equivalent value of
products/gifts. Incentives details will be clearly
mentioned in the invitation you receive. Typically;
if it is conducted in person, you will likely be
paid immediately after the completion, you may also
receive snacks in addition to the compensation. If
it is conducted online, then it may take 2-6 weeks
for payments to be dispatched.
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