Focus groups are in-depth guided discussions among several individuals led by a trained moderator.
Focus groups are used to answer a specific question, or to explore a particular problem. They can also be used as a beginning step, to gather information about a population with whom an agency may have little experience. Focus groups are also conducted among people who work with an agency's clients and not only the clients themselves. Focus groups are a good way to find out about perceived norms of a certain group. They can give detailed information about people's experiences and perceptions.