Exciting times for online focus groups are here! Whether due to challenges in conducting in-person research or the suitability of online methods for certain projects, our team is eager to share several strategies to enhance your online research success.
1) Encourage Sequential Conversations: Challenges like internet instability and audio delays often lead to participants speaking simultaneously. A key role for moderators is to minimize such interruptions and ensure smooth conversation flow. Utilizing the ‘mute’ feature can be a game changer. We’ve observed that sessions where participants are muted until called upon result in clearer audio for transcription. As the session host, don’t hesitate to use administrative controls to manage audio and video as needed. If challenges persist, consider reducing the group size or forming smaller breakout groups.
2) Opt for Human Transcription in Complex Scenarios: In situations where multiple participants speak at once or other complexities arise, consider using professional transcription services. Many firms offer services that can isolate individual audio tracks, enhance the clarity and accuracy of the transcription, and often integrate it with video, similar to our Enhanced Interactive Transcription service.
3) Manage Screen Time to Avoid Overstimulation: With the increase in remote work, screen fatigue is a real concern. For online focus groups, we’ve found that engagement peaks around 90 minutes. If more time is needed, you might arrange a post-session breakout with select, actively participating respondents. Offering a small incentive for this additional session can ensure all necessary topics are covered thoroughly.
4) Incorporate Pre-Session Activities: Engaging participants before the actual focus group can be highly beneficial. Pre-assignments, such as creative tasks, surveys, intro videos, or product reviews, can build excitement and familiarity with the research topic. These activities also help reduce anxiety about the upcoming session and provide moderators with valuable insights into the participants’ perspectives.
By implementing these four strategies, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness and quality of your online research sessions. If you’re interested in finding the right people for your study with these principles in mind, Focus Insite is here to help. Reach out to us at bids@focusinsite.com for tailored recruitment solutions that align with your research goals.
