I'm never too proud for free food
What they did was have two separate groups - one for women, the other for men. The focus group meetings were at a hotel in town, and we were to be paid $50 cash and lunch would be provided. So I figured that for an hour of my time, giving my opinions of the then-current provincial government, that was a good deal.
Turned out that the women's group was scheduled for noon-1 pm, and we were provided with a tableful of some of the tastiest sandwiches I've ever had. After the session was over, there were sandwiches left over, and they said I could have them (nobody else seemed to want them). Since that would be enough for several meals, I was grateful for the offer and went home with a $50 bill and sandwiches stuffed into my purse and coat pockets (wrapped up, of course!).
The men were showing up for their session as we were leaving, and we were told not to tell them anything about the questions for discussion. But the lunch they were given basically consisted of dessert. We got sandwiches, and they got cookies. I think I got the better deal, since cookies aren't enough for a day's worth of meals.
