Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

What is the best description of a "Focus Group"?

1. A survey distributed online

2. A structured interview with groups of similar individuals

3. A one-on-one counseling session

4. A public forum discussion

The correct answer is: A structured interview with groups of similar individuals

A focus group is best described as a structured interview with groups of similar individuals. This method typically involves gathering a small, diverse group of participants who share common characteristics related to the topic of interest. The structured nature of the discussion allows a facilitator to guide the conversation around specific themes while encouraging participants to share their thoughts and experiences. This interaction often leads to deeper insights and diverse perspectives, making it a valuable tool for qualitative research in various fields, including marketing, social sciences, and program evaluation. In contrast, a survey distributed online focuses on collecting data through standardized questions answered by individual respondents, lacking the interactive dynamics of a focus group. A one-on-one counseling session emphasizes personal, individualized communication and support, which is distinctly different from the group discussion format of a focus group. A public forum discussion usually involves open participation from a larger audience and lacks the structured format and targeted questioning found in focus groups.