The Delphi Method

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/26224

Keywords:

methods moment, delphi method, delphi studies, research methods, research design

Abstract

Description: The Delphi method is a process used to arrive at a group opinion or decision by surveying a panel of experts. The method was developed in the 1950’s and 1960’s by the RAND Corporation and since then has been used in many fields, including library and information science. During a Delphi study, selected experts respond to several rounds of questionnaires, and the responses are aggregated and shared with the group after each round. A Delphi study relies on the idea that collective group responses are superior to individual responses.

Purposes: Originally the Delphi method was created as a systematic, interactive forecasting method relying on a panel of experts. Since then, Delphi studies have been used for many purposes: creating policy, establishing guidelines, and identifying trends.

References

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Lund BD. Review of the Delphi method in library and information science research. Journal of Documentation. 2020 Feb 28.

Eldredge JD, Harris MR, Ascher MT. Defining the Medical Library Association research agenda: Methodology and final results from a consensus process. Journal of the Medical Library Association: JMLA. 2009 Jul;97(3):178.

Okoli C, Pawlowski SD. The Delphi method as a research tool: An example, design considerations and applications. Information & Management. 2004 Dec 1;42(1):15-29.

Melander L. Scenario development in transport studies: Methodological considerations and reflections on Delphi studies. Futures. 2018 Feb 1;96:68-78.

Okoli C, Pawlowski SD. The Delphi method as a research tool: An example, design considerations and applications. Information & Management. 2004 Dec 1;42(1):15-29.]

Sekayi D, Kennedy A. Qualitative Delphi method: A four round process with a worked example. The Qualitative Report. 2017 Oct 1;22(10):2755-63.

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Published

08/24/2022

How to Cite

Sablatzky, T. (2022). The Delphi Method. Hypothesis: Research Journal for Health Information Professionals, 34(1). https://doi.org/10.18060/26224

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Section

Methods Moment

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