What best defines a focus group?

A focus group is accurately defined as a small, diverse group of people who engage in discussions about a specific topic, guided by a moderator. This interactive format allows participants to share their opinions, thoughts, and experiences, providing rich qualitative data that can be invaluable for research purposes.

The presence of a moderator is crucial, as they facilitate the conversation, ensuring that all voices are heard and encouraging discussion around various perspectives. This method is particularly effective in exploring attitudes, feelings, and motivations, offering insights that quantitative data might not capture.

In contrast, the other options describe different methods of gathering information but do not encapsulate the essence of a focus group. A large assembly of stakeholders implies a broader gathering that lacks the intimate, guided interaction characteristic of a focus group. An anonymous online survey involves collecting data individually without interactive discussion, which diminishes the depth of understanding gained from group interactions. Similarly, a structured interview format is typically one-on-one, lacking the collaborative dialogue that defines a focus group setting.