There are multiple ways to approach and collect information from stakeholders. Because such interviews are time and resource intensive, however, other approaches are also needed. Focus groups are one productive method for bringing stakeholders together and collecting information. Focus groups typically consist of 7 to 10 selected participants chosen because of certain common characteristics. The selected group takes part in a planned discussion in an non-threatening environment.
Interviewers solicit stakeholder perceptions within a pre-defined area of interest.
This method is beneficial in that it facilitates the acquisition of multiple perspectives in one sitting, thereby enhancing the interface between the research group and the stakeholder community. Other methods could include small group interviews or a web page survey. In contrast to focus groups, small group interviews are less structured and aim to engage a number of people in the interview process at one time. Whereas focus groups are typically composed of people who do not know each other, small groups may include individuals who know and work with one another. The core office has already posted one web page survey as another way to contact many people.