Focus group note-taking template

Instructions:

Preface an individual’s ideas with a marker, such as initials or seat number, if necessary.
Mark notetaker comments consistently with NT (notetaker) or another notation. If a bullet point is your own commentary, don’t preface with initials
If the moderator asks a question that elicits head nodding or raised hands from the group, count and record the count.

Additional notes when recording is employed:

Periodically provide a timestamp in your notes; attempt to do so for each section/question.
If you wish to capture a direct quote, but time does not allow,, write the first few words in quotations followed by “QUOTE” to cue a later recording check. Capture the recording timestamp if possible.

Date:

Group: [undergrads, grads, community, faculty, etc.]

Note taker:

Moderator:

Participants:

Opening

[time]
Notes here if necessary.

Section 1

[time] INSERT QUESTION FROM SCRIPT
Notes here.
If an activity is planned or certain responses are anticipated, consider adding tables, charts, checklists, or other graphic organizers to ensure quick collection of responses.

[time] INSERT QUESTION FROM SCRIPT
Notes here.
If an activity is planned or certain responses are anticipated, consider adding tables, charts, checklists, or other graphic organizers to ensure quick collection of responses.

Section 2

[time] INSERT QUESTION FROM SCRIPT
Notes here.
If an activity is planned or certain responses are anticipated, consider adding tables, charts, checklists, or other graphic organizers to ensure quick collection of responses.

[time] INSERT QUESTION FROM SCRIPT
Notes here.
If an activity is planned or certain responses are anticipated, consider adding tables, charts, checklists, or other graphic organizers to ensure quick collection of responses.

Section 3

[time] INSERT QUESTION FROM SCRIPT
Notes here.
If an activity is planned or certain responses are anticipated, consider adding tables, charts, checklists, or other graphic organizers to ensure quick collection of responses.

[time] INSERT QUESTION FROM SCRIPT
Notes here.
If an activity is planned or certain responses are anticipated, consider adding tables, charts, checklists, or other graphic organizers to ensure quick collection of responses.

Closing

[time] INSERT QUESTION FROM SCRIPT
Notes here.

Post-session summary
(notetaker/moderator only)

Please summarize your initial impressions, special notes, commentary, takeaways, etc.

Method

Focus groups

Related documents