The goal is to get as much information on the table as possible. Open discussion is encouraged under conditions of complete confidentiality. Group interaction is used to probe and bring out additional information. The moderator, only as necessary, stimulates the discussion and keeps it on course. Both concrete information and opinions are considered relevant.
Every response is considered valid.
There is no attempt to support or criticize any response, resolve any issue, address any individual problem or concern, or reach any conclusion. The goal is only to gather as much information from as many different viewpoints as possible. Identify and train moderators. Generate, pre-test, and revise the interview guide. Develop the sampling frame, i.e., decide what types of people will participate in the groups.