I just got back from a presentation on focus grouping in which one of my co-panelists said something that really resonated with me:
“The make up of the group is important. Because group dynamics are a critical aspect of the method, there must be an appropriate mix of participants. For example, subordinates are less open in front of their supervisors. And ‘Experts,’ or at least people who purport themselves as such, establish bias early in the conversation and assume a leadership role in what will inevitably take you down the wasted path of group-think.”
Focus group dynamics are a microcosm of our larger societal dynamics. Whenever people are first being introduced to something new, they are HUGELY susceptible to bias. Whomever steps forward to lead can fairly easily manufacture a consensus of thought on interpretation, evaluation, internalization, and activity.
Pretty scary to think about when you consider how Bill Kristol and his ilk turned 9/11 into an invasion of Iraq.
2 responses so far ↓
Kvatch // August 12, 2007 at 4:22 pm |
Pretty scary to think about when you consider how Bill Kristol and his ilk turned 9/11 into an invasion of Iraq.
Even more so when you consider that they fill the role of the “experts”, and that the sheeple who follow Kristol are willing to accept him as such.
Jon // August 13, 2007 at 3:24 pm |
Sheeple is my new favorite word… thanks for that.