Planning - Product Trial Focus Group

As my magazine is aimed at current students of Wyke College I decided to ask four occupants - two female and two male. One of the males shall be a first year, the other being a second year, as is the situation with the females. I believe this gives me the greatest variety possible.

The opening query I put to my focus group is whether they believe the production should be free of charge. Unsurprisingly all of the focus group voted with a unanimous yes. Secondly, I asked if the name of the magazine should be something existingly relating to the college, or opposingly a brand new name to try and attempt to reflect popular culture. An example I put to the group was 'Guidance' relating to the focal point for any problems a student has within Wyke college - another suggestion was 'Mint' referring to the slang term used widely to elicit a positive response regarding a subject. The majority of the group indicated they prefer the reference type of name, however were not keen on the suggestion 'Guidance', saying instead one of the neighbouring roads located around the college would be a good choice. Thirdly I enquired as to the type of contents they would expect to see featured inside the magazine - interestingly it was suggested that match reports for all sports games involving the college's teams could be included, it was also recommended budding English students should be encourage to cover the events. Social events, changes in college policy, holiday information, college canteen information were other popular suggestions. Lastly, it was put to the focus group whether a formal or informal use of language should be in place - all agreeing on the latter choice of informal, arguing it would appeal to the target audience's preferences.