Thank you for the research you've done so far. We're working towards developing your presentation to Congress, but before you develop the presentation, I would like for you to conduct some more research and also to conduct your focus group. You should have already started making preparations to conduct the focus group, because that is something you'll need to actually do now.
At CEGE, we don’t just read and think about how people feel about genetic issues; we get out there, talk to them, and experience their reactions to the topics. Reading about it is valuable, but nothing brings it home like sharing information and hearing what people have to say.
Your tasks
To make progress on all of your different tasks, here are your next steps:
Conduct your focus group on genetic modification and provide me with a summary when it's complete. I've attached some guidelines on conducting focus groups, in general, to help you. In addition, let me give you some points here that you'll need to consider.
Start the focus group by giving your audience a general introduction of what is being covered and reasons why it affects people. If they care about the information they are more likely to engage in it. Then get a feeling for people’s views on the following points:
- People’s initial opinion of genetic modification of animals, generally or specifically of pets
- Major influences on people’s initial viewpoints
- What people know already know about genetics and the use of biotechnology
- How opinions are affected by information on genetic modification, both generally and specifically in regards to hypoallergenic cats
You'll need to give them some information in order to get their initial views on the subject. Give them enough to get things started, but hold off on the major information. Once you have had them express their views, present some of the main information you found in your research and see what impact it has on their initial views. If people’s views are largely unaffected by certain information it may be an indication to revisit those topics in your research to see why.
Continue your research on genetic modification. You should respond to any feedback you have received so far and conduct additional research as necessary.
Update your presentation outline. The focus group should give you a good idea of what you'll need to include, so you should revise your outline accordingly.
Draft an outline for your individual report. Hopefully, the focus group will give you some insights into how you'd like to approach your final report. You should create a first version of your outline, based on what you know so far. . I'd like you to refine your notes, prioritize the information you need to include, and use that to create a first version of your outline. It's probably a good idea to review the project guidelines I sent you previously before you begin working on the report outline to make sure you're on target.
Please send me an updated status report noting what you found in your additional research, along with a summary of the remaining items I've asked for above.
Thanks,
Dr. Susan Woodrow