The Consensus Group Technique in Social Research

Abstract

The Consensus Group Technique is a new method for carrying out qualitative research in small groups. It was designed particularly for use in participative research, by which relatively untrained moderators may obtain more reliable data than is possible in these circumstances with focus groups. The principle of consensus groups is almost the opposite from the principle of surveys: In consensus groups, instead of using questions with fixed wording and determining the distribution of multiple-choice answers, a criterion level of agreement is set (usually around 75%) and statements are modified to determine whether the criterion level can be met.