Introductory script

Below is the script that I used when commencing the focus group session…

Welcome to this focus group. I hope you are all comfortable and have helped yourself to some refreshments.

To make sure that we all get the most benefit out of this session, before we begin, there are some ground rules we need to agree on.

1. Everyone will have the opportunity to speak. Please give everyone a chance to express their opinions
2. There are no right or wrong answers
3. You are not obliged to answer any question if you choose not to
4. You are welcome to leave whenever you wish
5. By continuing with this group you agree that the issues raised will not be discussed outside of this group in such a way to divulge the identity of individual participants.
6. We hope that we will be finished by 3:30
7. Toilets can be found if you turn left along the corridor. They are situated on the left-hand side just before the lifts.
8. This session will be recorded. I hope that is alright with everyone?

My name is Christine and I am a researcher from the Ladies’ Power Research Institute. This is my colleague Thandi who will be assisting me today.

The purpose of this focus group is to obtain information about the current problem of special leave in the context of the Master of Arts in Research Consultation (MARC) programme. A consistent policy has not been applied to special leave, causing problems in attaining HPSCA requirements and causing discontent because of the inconsistent application of the policy.

Let’s start by introducing yourselves to me. Tell me your names and what you are hoping to get out of this course.

 

Thankyou for sharing that with me. [then I go on to start questioning]

Blah, blah, blah, blah

Thank you for sharing your views with us