Description Long
The Delphi technique is a widely used and accepted method for achieving convergence of opinions regarding real-world knowledge sought from experts within certain topic areas. This method was mainly developed by Olaf Helmer, Nicholas Rescher, Norman Dalkey, and others at the RAND corporation in the 1950s, based on the rationale that, "two heads are better than one, or...n heads are better than one" (Dalkey, 1972, p. 15). In a Delphi process, which is usually 3 to 4 rounds of iteration, a series of questionnaries are developed based on the outcome of the previous ones. The results in the iterative rounds are collected and returned to the participants. During sucessful iteration process, participants are able to reassess their responses according to the complied responses of all participants. The responses to the questionnaires are made anonymously, which consequently enhances the probability that opinions are considered without being persuaded by the owner of the idea.
References
Hsu, C. C., & Sandford, B. A. (2007). The Delphi technique: making sense of consensus. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 12(10), 1-8. Retrieved 5 August 2015 from, http://pareonline.net/pdf/v12n10.pdf
Linstone, H. A., & Turoff, M. (Eds.). (1975). The Delphi method: Techniques and applications (Vol. 29). Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley. Retrieved from, http://is.njit.edu/pubs/delphibook/delphibook.pdf
Rowan Free Press,. (2012). The Delphi Technique: City Employs Manipulative Method at Statesville Blvd Meeting. Retrieved from http://rowanfreepress.com/2012/09/06/the-delphi-technique-city-employs-manipulative-method-at-statesville-blvd-meeting/
Somerville, J. A. (2007). Critical factors affecting the meaningful assessment of student learning outcomes: A Delphi study of the opinions of community college personnel. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. Retrieved from, http://jasomerville.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/DelphiProcess080617b.pdf