Delphi Method Flashcards
In the Delphi method, data is collected through which means?
Questionnaires
The process
The Delphi process traditionally begins (round one) with an open-ended questionnaire. After receiving subjects responses, investigators need to convert the collected information into a well-structured questionnaire. This questionnaire is used as the survey instrument for the second round of data collection.
In the second round, each Delphi participant receives a second questionnaire and is asked to review the items summarized by the investigators based on the information provided in the first round. Accordingly,
Delphi panellists may be required to rate or rank-order items to establish preliminary priorities among items. As a result of round two, areas of disagreement and agreement are identified
In the third round, each Delphi panellist receives a questionnaire that includes the items and ratings summarized by the investigator in the previous round and are asked to revise his/her judgements or to specify the reasons for remaining outside the consensus This round gives Delphi panellists an opportunity to make further clarifications of both the information and their judgements of the relative importance of the items. However, compared to the previous round, only a slight increase in the degree of consensus can be expected.
Choosing the appropriate subjects is the most important step in the entire process because it directly relates to the quality of the results generated, despite this, there is no exact criterion currently listed in the literature concerning the selection of Delphi participants. Delphi subjects should be highly trained and competent within the specialized area of knowledge related to the target issue.
Potential issues
Issues with the Delphi method include:
a Delphi study can be time-consuming as several days or weeks may pass between rounds
the potential exists for low response rates and striving to maintain robust feedback can be a challenge
the Delphi technique can potentially enable investigators to mold opinions
the expertise of Delphi panelists could be unevenly distributed
