What is the purpose of the Delphi technique in research?

The Delphi technique is designed to gather insights and opinions from a group of experts or knowledgeable individuals on a specific topic or issue. This method relies on a series of structured rounds where participants provide their perspectives, often anonymously, with the intention of arriving at a consensus or collective viewpoint.

This iterative process is particularly valuable in situations where empirical evidence may be scarce, allowing researchers to tap into the expertise of individuals who have specialized knowledge. By using this technique, researchers can systematically refine opinions and clarify the range of views on a complex topic, ultimately leading to an informed consensus.

In contrast, generating subjectively analyzed observations involves a more qualitative and free-form approach, which does not align with the structured nature of the Delphi technique. Collecting qualitative data through large surveys pertains to gathering information from a broad sample rather than honing in on expert consensus. Observational studies in controlled environments focus on the actual behavior of subjects rather than their opinions or expertise. Thus, the purpose of the Delphi technique distinctly centers on understanding the professional opinions or expertise of individuals on a specified topic.