Focus groups
What is a pre-screener? A plain guide to study invitations
Pre-screeners decide who gets invited to focus groups, interviews and product tests. Here is how they work, and how you are rewarded either way.
Online focus groups: a tech checklist before you join
Online focus groups are a great way to take part in research from home. Most problems that happen on the day are technical and easy to avoid. Use this checklist the day before and again ten minutes before you join.
Key points
- Test your link, camera and microphone the day before, using the same device and place you will use on the day.
- A wired or strong wifi connection, headphones and light in front of you solve most problems.
- Join 10 to 15 minutes early, because many groups run a short technical check before starting.
- If something goes wrong, contact the research team straight away. Technical problems are common and they can usually help.
Why the tech matters
An online focus group usually brings together six to eight people on a video call for 60 to 90 minutes, led by a moderator. The group starts on time, and late joiners can disrupt a carefully planned discussion. Some groups have a strict number of places, so if you cannot connect, a standby participant may take your seat.
A few minutes of preparation means you will spend the session talking instead of troubleshooting.
The day before
Check your device
- Use a laptop or desktop if you can. Phones work for many groups, but a bigger screen helps when the moderator shows images or videos.
- Charge your device fully, and keep the charger nearby.
- Install any updates now, not ten minutes before the start.
Open the link
The invitation includes a link to the platform the research team uses. Open it the day before. If it asks you to install an app or allow access to your camera and microphone, do it now. Many platforms run in the browser, and current versions of Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox work best.
Test your camera and microphone
Most platforms have a test option. Speak a sentence and play it back. If nothing works, check that the right camera and microphone are selected in the settings, and that your browser has permission to use them.
Your space
Light
Sit facing a window or lamp, not with a bright window behind you. Light from the front lets the moderator see your face and reactions, which matters in a group discussion.
Sound
Choose a quiet room and close the door. Headphones with a built-in microphone reduce echo and help you hear other participants clearly. Put your phone on silent.
Background
Your background will be visible to the group. Tidy away anything personal you would not want others to see, such as letters with your address or family photos, or use a plain wall. Virtual backgrounds are fine if the platform allows them, but they can blur your hands when you hold up a product.
Your connection
- If possible, sit close to your wifi router or use a cable.
- Ask others at home to pause big downloads or streaming during the session.
- Close other apps and browser tabs, especially ones that use video.
Have a plan B. Keep your phone nearby with the platform app installed. If your computer fails, you can often rejoin from the phone within a minute.
Ten minutes before
- Go to the toilet and get a glass of water.
- Close everything except the focus group link.
- Join the session. Many groups have a waiting room where a technician checks your sound and video.
- Have your ID ready if the invitation asked for it. Some studies check identity to make sure the right person takes part.
- Keep any product or item you were asked to bring within reach.
Accessibility options
Tell the research team in advance if you need live captions, a sign language interpreter, a text-based alternative or extra time. Many platforms have built-in captions, and moderators are used to adapting the format. Asking early gives them time to arrange the right support.
If something goes wrong
- You cannot connect. Reply to the invitation email or call the number in it straight away.
- Your video freezes. Turn your camera off and on again, or rejoin the session.
- The sound drops. Check that you are not muted and that the right microphone is selected.
- You are dropped from the call. Rejoin with the same link. The moderator will usually welcome you back.
Common questions
Do I have to keep my camera on?
Most focus groups ask for cameras on, because facial reactions are part of the discussion. If you have a reason to keep it off, explain this to the research team before accepting the invitation.
Can I join from my car or a cafe?
Please do not. Background noise and movement disturb the group, and you may be asked to rejoin from a quieter place or leave the session.
What if I am late?
Contact the research team as soon as you know. Some groups can let you join late, but if the group has started, your place may go to a standby participant.
