Delphi Technique

Correct Answer: Apply numerical coding to responses and process them equally

In the Delphi Technique, the most effective approach is to apply numerical coding to responses and process them equally. This is the correct answer because: The core principle of the Delphi Technique is to gather unbiased expert opinions and reach consensus through anonymous feedback rounds. By numerically coding and processing responses equally, the method: - Maintains anonymity - Reduces influence bias - Prevents power dynamics from affecting results - Ensures all expert opinions are valued equally - Promotes honest and independent thinking The other options are incorrect because: Weighting responses based on years of experience can introduce bias and undervalue fresh perspectives or specialized knowledge. Evaluating based on organizational position contradicts the anonymous nature of Delphi and can lead to hierarchical influence. Prioritizing previous participants creates a bias toward familiar viewpoints and limits the diversity of perspectives, which is contrary to the technique's purpose of gathering varied expert opinions.

Correct Answer: Compile all responses, calculate statistical measures, and share anonymized summaries

The optimal method for processing expert responses between Delphi Technique questionnaire rounds is to compile all responses, calculate statistical measures, and share anonymized summaries. This approach is best because: 1. It maintains participant anonymity, which is a core principle of the Delphi Technique 2. It provides statistical validity to the process 3. It allows participants to see the collective wisdom while avoiding bias 4. It helps facilitate convergence toward consensus The other options are incorrect because: Sending individual responses back to participants defeats the purpose of group consensus and may introduce bias. Creating detailed reports of each expert's position compromises anonymity and may lead to influence from dominant personalities. Eliminating outliers prematurely could remove valuable insights and perspectives that might be important for risk identification. The Delphi Technique values diverse viewpoints, and outliers should be considered in the analysis.

Correct Answer: It helps refine individual judgments through controlled feedback and statistical summaries

The Delphi Technique is a structured communication method that relies on iterative feedback from experts to reach consensus. The correct answer is accurate because it captures the core elements of the Delphi process: controlled feedback and statistical summaries that help experts refine their judgments over multiple rounds. This systematic approach allows for thoughtful consideration and adjustment of opinions based on anonymous collective input. The other options are incorrect because: - Expert interactions in synchronized meetings contradicts the Delphi method's principle of anonymity and independent assessment - While the Delphi process may involve some quantitative elements, its primary purpose is not to transform qualitative data into numerical scores - The technique does not incorporate machine learning; it is a structured human expert judgment process focused on achieving consensus through iterative refinement.