Focus Group Discussions

Focus group discussions are used to gather information regarding specific issues by collecting different points of views and perspectives from participants. The groups mainly consist of 7-9 participants recruited from the specific target group or population. Projective techniques are used very frequently, especially in market research.

Mini Groups

Mini Groups are very much alike focus groups except that they consist of 4-5 participants and are used when more specific opinions regarding an issue are required.

Dyads and Triads

Dyads and triads are used when specific and subjective opinions are required. Unlike focus groups where more people attend, dyads and triads consist of two and three people respectively, of a specific target population. Opinions on more specific issues are discussed. In our experience, dyads and triads are more frequently used for professional issues, mainly with professionals of that specific field.

In-depth Interviews

In-depth interviews are face to face interviews in which cases the instrument is rather unstructured. In-depth interviews are mainly used in cases when the issue discussed is a personal experience and respondents might feel uncomfortable sharing it with others in a group. Also in-depth interviews are used when we have to do with professionals or with directors/personnel of large enterprises who are difficult to gather all at once.

Desk Research (Literature Review)

Literature Review is mainly used to gather information from all existing sources about a specific issue. It is used mainly in countries in development where a lot of issues are unknown.

Panel Evaluation

Panel Evaluation uses 5-15 carefully selected participants, who are required to view/listen/try the product and then evaluate and respond to very specific questions regarding the product. It is mainly practiced in home environments within a specific time frame.