Delphi Techniques is a method used for group decision making. The word "Delphi" is spelled /ˈdɛlfaɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "d" in Delphi is pronounced as a voiced dental fricative /ð/ like the "th" sound in "this." The "e" is pronounced as a short vowel /ɛ/. The "l" is pronounced as a voiced lateral approximant /l/. The "ph" is pronounced as an aspirated bilabial plosive /pʰ/. The "i" is pronounced as a long vowel /aɪ/. When combined, the word is pronounced as /ˈdɛlfaɪ/.
Delphi techniques refer to a structured, systematic method used to gather information from a panel of experts or stakeholders in order to make informed decisions or predictions. Developed by RAND Corporation in the 1950s, Delphi techniques aim to achieve a consensus or convergence of opinions by reaching out to a diverse group of individuals with expertise or knowledge in a particular domain.
The process typically begins by identifying a specific problem or question that needs to be addressed. A group of experts is then selected, usually through a purposive sampling approach, and each individual is asked to independently provide their opinions, predictions, or suggestions related to the problem being investigated. This can be done through a series of questionnaires, surveys, or even face-to-face interviews. The responses collected are then carefully compiled and anonymized by the facilitator or researcher.
In the subsequent rounds, these anonymized responses are shared with each participant, who are then given the opportunity to revise their original answers based on the feedback received from the group. This iterative process continues until a consensus is reached, or until a predetermined number of rounds have been completed.
Delphi techniques are particularly useful when dealing with complex or ambiguous problems, as they provide a platform to gather expert opinions and insights from a diverse group of individuals. By minimizing direct interaction among participants and utilizing anonymity, the method aims to reduce biases, social pressures, and dominant influence that may arise during group interactions.
Overall, Delphi techniques offer a structured and systematic approach to harness the collective intelligence of experts, resulting in more informed decision-making or predictions.
The term "Delphi Techniques" is derived from the ancient Greek city of Delphi, which was renowned for its oracle and the wisdom it imparted. In Delphi, priests known as the Pythia would act as oracles, providing insights and predictions on various matters. The Delphi Techniques in modern context refer to a structured communication method used to obtain and consolidate input from experts or a group of individuals to make informed decisions or predictions. The name "Delphi" was chosen to signify the collaborative and consensus-building aspects of the technique, as well as its focus on gathering diverse perspectives.