ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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They are wonderful for getting at what your audience wants as opposed to what you think they want (or what YOU want!).  Market research is everything, you NEVER want to develop anything in a vacuum.  

What are you testing for?  That needs to be very clear.  Is it how they "see" your place?  What kinds of programs/exhibits they want (that can be too broad)?  Is it how to reach and attract them effectively, particularly in this economy?  It works VERY well if you are comparing ideas for exhibits (ie, different approaches, looks, etc.)  

You need a very good set of facilitators who know how to probe.  The hardest thing for staffers watching behind the window is to stay calm and not say, "they don't get it".

How are you choosing your participants?  Are they people who are already committed (members) or are they newbies who you want to target?  Age/gender/ethnicity?  You need to provide food, and compensate them (cash or free visits).

Just some random thoughts,

Beryl Rosenthal

-----Original Message-----
>From: JT Stone <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Dec 3, 2009 4:21 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Focus Group
>
>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>We have the opportunity to have a free focus group conducted by a local
>advertising agency.  I would appreciate hearing from any science centers
>that have used focus groups and any advice you may have for us concerning
>how they may best be used.  Thank you.
>
> 
>
>Janet Stone
>
>Director of Operations
>
>Lancaster Science Factory
>
>454 New Holland Avenue
>
>Lancaster, PA 17602
>
>www.lancastersciencefactory.org <http://www.lancastersciencefactory.org/> 
>
>717-509-6388
>
>[log in to unmask]
>
> 
>
> 
>
>
> 
>
>
> 
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>
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>For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
>
>Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.
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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
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To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
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