Social scientists have been using focus groups since the early 1930s, when they were searching for alternatives to interviews.  Today, focus groups are a popular form of qualitative research for several reasons:  participants are encouraged to provide their opinions and points of view about products and services in a non-threatening manner; they are easily accessible to a wide range of consumers; they are conducive to repetition; they represent a relatively inexpensive form of research; and, they provide immediate data for analysis.  Led by a moderator, who is usually a trained researcher with the ability to gain valuable insights through group discussion, the groups typically include six to eight participants. 

There are at least four forms of focus groups.  One is consumer-oriented market research, where focus groups provide manufacturers with feedback on new products; a second type of focus group research is academically scientifically oriented; a third is a public/non-profit approach; and a fourth is participatory research where community members become involved as participants.