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The Delphi Technique: Brian Garrod Institute of Rural Sciences University of Wales Aberystwyth

The Delphi Technique is a qualitative research method that uses a panel of experts to gather opinions through multiple iterative rounds of questionnaires. It aims to obtain consensus among experts through anonymous feedback between rounds. While flexible and good for addressing difficult questions, it has also received criticism for being anti-democratic and for sloppy implementations in early uses. The technique originated from RAND Corporation studies in the 1950s and derives its name from the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece.

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22 views4 pages

The Delphi Technique: Brian Garrod Institute of Rural Sciences University of Wales Aberystwyth

The Delphi Technique is a qualitative research method that uses a panel of experts to gather opinions through multiple iterative rounds of questionnaires. It aims to obtain consensus among experts through anonymous feedback between rounds. While flexible and good for addressing difficult questions, it has also received criticism for being anti-democratic and for sloppy implementations in early uses. The technique originated from RAND Corporation studies in the 1950s and derives its name from the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece.

Uploaded by

AnthonyUnique
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Delphi Technique

Brian Garrod Institute of Rural Sciences University of Wales Aberystwyth

What is the Delphi Technique?


Qualitative research technique but with quantitative elements Relies on the judgement of a panel of experts Iterative process, taking place over a number of rounds Much admired:

Very flexible Good at getting beneath the surface of issues Good at addressing difficult or expert questions More structured than conventional interviewing Often dismissed as being discredited Accused of being anti-democratic/anti-participatory Reputation tarnished by sloppy execution in early days

But also much criticised:


The Delphi Technique


Name eludes to the Oracle of Ancient Greece First used in 1950s by RAND Corporation in the USA Cold war application Panel of experts formed Question related to likely number of USSR nuclear missiles Mean and standard deviation Feed back between rounds Repeated until consensus approached

The Delphi Technique


What is the Delphi Technique?
a systematic method of collecting opinions from a group of experts through a series of questionnaires, in which feedback on the groups opinion distribution is provided between question rounds while preserving the anonymity of the respondents responses. (Helmer, 1972, cited in Masser and Foley, 1987: 217-218)

Key features Systematic Questionnaire Expert opinions Iterative process, i.e. rounds Feedback - individual opinions mediated by group Yet anonymity of individuals

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