Focus groups & panels
We must not imply that the views of panels, however carefully selected, represent the views of the entire population, and they must not be used as a means of trying to estimate party support in the electorate at large.
Panels or focus groups, when properly selected, may be used to examine why certain views are held rather than the extent to which they are held.
Any proposal to commission focus group research on political party issues should be discussed at an early stage with Chief Adviser Politics and the methodology checked with the Political Research Unit.