Once a study is launched, data collection begins. Interviews are conducted through AI-moderated conversations, using the approved discussion guide and stimulus as the source of truth. The aim is consistency without rigidity: every interview covers the required research questions, while participants can still express themselves naturally in their own words. Fieldwork runs continuously until the target number of completed interviews is reached.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.focaldata.com/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
How AI moderation works
Interviews are conducted by an AI moderator that follows the approved guide closely and manages the live interaction. In practice, the moderator:- Conducts the conversation turn by turn, asking one question at a time.
- Follows the structure, sequencing, and intent of the approved guide.
- Uses probes and follow-ups to encourage depth and explanation.
- Introduces stimulus at the right moment, without altering meaning or adding context.
Moderation guardrails: one question per message; avoid over-relying on “why…?” as the opening word; ensure each research question has sufficient follow-ups.
Fieldwork duration
Fieldwork continues until the target number of completed interviews is reached.| Audience | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Broad (high incidence) | 24–48 hours |
| Moderate | 48–72 hours |
| Narrow (low incidence) | 72+ hours, potentially longer |
How data quality is enforced
Quality is enforced at multiple points, not just a single check at the end.