Mock Trials
How to Use a Focus Group Facility for Mock Trials
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What is a Focus Group Facility? A focus group facility is a special suite of rooms designed specifically to help conduct qualitative research studies (photos here). There are two main rooms in a focus group suite -- a discussion room and a viewing room. These rooms are connected by a one-way mirror. The discussion room seats 10 to 12 people and a moderator. At WestGroup, the group participants sit around a specially designed table that allows the observers to see each person clearly. The discussion room is equipped with special sound and video equipment to preserve the group conversation for analytical purposes. The WestGroup viewing room allows 10 to 15 clients or researchers to sit behind the mirror and observe the reactions and comments of participants as the discussion progresses. This allows researchers to analyze discussions thoroughly without interfering. This maintains the integrity of the research process. Click here for more information on focus groups at WestGroup Research. |
(for more information see focus groups and facilities)
Defending and prosecuting attorneys can both benefit from conducting mock trials in a focus group facility because it enables them to analyze potential juror reactions for a minimal fee. WestGroup recruiters can "summon" a jury of 10 - 12 people. The impaneled jury would be composed of jurors who meet the same specifications that a jury call would draw. Each panel member is paid an honorarium to participate and hear the specifics of a case.
Once the jury is set and the presentations have been made, true qualitative data can be collected. Counsel can then observe the deliberations from behind the mirror and analyze how specific arguments and facts affect the logic of jurors. Or, counsel may choose to stay in the room and work through the deliberation process with the jurors.
Using WestGroup Research to facilitate a mock jury costs approximately $2,000. This fee covers room rental (includes audio and video taping of discussions), recruiting*, and each participant's honorarium. (*Prices for recruiting may vary according to demographic specifications.)
Additional services provided by WestGroup include analysis of group discussions, transcriptions of audio tapes, and catering of meals. Costs for these services may vary by group.
