What is the Difference Between Focus Group and Group Interview?

The main difference between a focus group and a group interview lies in their purposes and the level of interaction among participants. Here are the key differences:

Focus Group:

• Focus groups are a specific form of group interview where interaction between participants is encouraged.
• They are used for market research purposes, such as understanding consumer opinions, product features, and customer satisfaction.
• The person conducting a focus group plays the role of a facilitator, encouraging the discussion rather than asking questions.
• The level of discussion and interaction among group members is high, as opinion sharing and discussion can help achieve the research objectives.

Group Interview:

• Group interviews involve interviewers asking directed questions and evaluating the answers given, as well as the method used to answer the questions.
• They are used for job interview purposes, such as assessing a candidate's ability to work in a team or their communication skills.
• The focus is on collecting individual opinions and experiences, rather than encouraging interaction and discussion among participants.

In summary, focus groups are more about understanding group dynamics and the forces that influence them, while group interviews are more focused on collecting individual opinions and experiences. Both methods have their advantages and can be used to gather valuable insights, depending on the research objectives.

Comparative Table: Focus Group vs Group Interview

Here is a table comparing the differences between focus groups and group interviews:

Focus groups are group discussions with carefully recruited participants, aiming to gather consensus and understand group dynamics. In contrast, group interviews involve one-on-one interviews with participants, focusing on personal and in-depth insights. While both methods offer strengths and weaknesses, each can be appropriate for different research contexts and goals.