Discussion Description

Founder and principal researcher Robert W. Kahle of Kahle Research Solutions Inc., in his book Dominators, Cynics, and Wallflowers, dissects typical focus group participants to illuminate ways to modify their problem behaviors.

DOMINATORS are all-knowing, quick to answer, and choose a seat location in order to challenge the moderator for control.

CYNICS display negative behaviors and deride the ideas of others.

HOSTILES have an agenda of their own and seek corrective action; they are often angry and combative.

INTOXICATEDS are under the influence of something, fidgety and incoherent.

PROSELYTIZERS cannot accept that others hold opposing opinions and try to persuade others to their opinion.

BLATHERERS offer long, off-topic answers and ignore moderator cues.

JOKERS find every comment source material for a new joke, story, or comical facial expression.

FOLLOWERS tend to repeat others' opinions.

WALLFLOWERS withdraw both physically and verbally.

Finally, CO-MODERATORS often engage participants before a discussion starts, ask questions of their own, and seek to befriend or support other participants.

Why is each of these behaviors a problem and how would you handle each of these problem participants?