A common method of gathering qualitative research, where a moderator conducts a group discussion among five to ten people in order to learn their opinions, attitudes, and thought processes about a given topic. The group dynamic encourages a deeper level of discussion and allows the moderator to probe for responses to important topics. In addition to being employed for evaluation purposes, focus groups can be useful in the design and planning stage of an arts and civic engagement program as a means of getting input from stakeholders.