How many participants are typically recommended for a focus group?

A focus group is a qualitative research method designed to gather insights from participants through guided discussions. The recommended number of participants typically falls within the range of 8 to 10. This group size is considered optimal because it allows for diverse perspectives while still remaining manageable for the facilitator.

Having 8 to 10 participants strikes a balance between inclusivity and the ability for each person to contribute meaningfully to the conversation. A smaller group may limit the range of views and discussions, potentially leading to insights that are not fully representative of a larger population. Conversely, a larger group can become unwieldy, making it difficult for all participants to engage effectively and for the facilitator to manage the discussion. Thus, maintaining a group size within this recommended range ensures that discussions are rich and dynamic while allowing for sufficient interaction among participants.