Discussion guide design and review

Crafting effective research conversations
A well-structured discussion guide is essential for productive qualitative research sessions. An effective guide should provide clear direction with the flexibility to explore unexpected but valuable ideas that emerge throiugh the discussion.
- Welcome in which the moderator makes introductions, explains the purpose of the session and sets out the ground rules
- Warm-up comprising a few questions designed to put the respondents at ease and get them talking rather than collecting lots of information
- Core where the key topics are covered in a way that collects as much information as possible in an unbiased manner
- Wrap-up where the moderator will check their understanding of key points from the session and perhaps ask the respondents to sum up their views.
Our research consultants design guides that are tailored to your research objectives, participant profiles, and methodological needs. We incorporate proven techniques for building rapport, probing effectively, managing pacing, and transitioning smoothly between topics. This careful, expert approach equips moderators to run engaging conversations and significantly enhances the overall quality and depth of your qualitative research.
Our discussion guide development process
Features that can be incorporated in FieldworkHub discussion guides

Benefits of our discussion guide designs
Case studies of research where we have developed discussion guides

CAPI, focus groups: mobile top-up retailers
A management consultancy wanted to talk to shopkeepers in London who sell SIMs and top-ups for a mobile virtual network operator. We conducted face-to-face interviews with owners and managers and arranged two focus groups so our client could obtain views on the brand’s positioning relative to other mobile operators.

IDIs: SMB owners, card payments, UK
The UK Payment Systems Regulator reached out to FieldworkHub to investigate the perceptions of businesses in the UK on card and interbank payments. We helped to design the market research approach, recruited suitable participants and provided input on the client’s draft discussion guide.

Qual and quant study: new private clinic, UK
Our client wanted to understand the demand for healthcare services and products among the general public. We were asked to deliver a full service research project. We assisted with the creation of research material and recruited all research participants which included both consumers and healthcare professionals.

