Prepared by:

Nyssa D. Diaz
M.A in Educational Management


The Delphi survey is named after the oracle
at Delphi, a city of ancient Greece. The oracle
would be asked difficult questions about the
future and would then provide advice about
likely happenings and how to proceed. In the
present day version, experts in a particular field
act as oracles. Their views on well-designed
subjects are requested and analyzed by a
surveyor. This is done by a short questionnaire,
often anonymously in written form, and usually
with the experts remaining in their own
surroundings.

A Sneak Peak
What is Delphi Survey?
Delphi survey is a structured group
interaction process that is directed in
"rounds" of opinion collection and
feedback. Opinion collection is achieved
by conducting a series of surveys using
questionnaires. The result of each
survey will be presented to the group
and the questionnaire used in the next
round is built upon the result of the
previous round.
Delphi Surveys
OBJECTIVES
To obtain estimates for important
parameters in the evaluation
framework where no or insufficient
published data was currently
available.
Delphi Surveys
OBJECTIVES
To consult individuals with a working
knowledge of current policy on
various aspects of the surveillance
and research programme.
Delphi Surveys
PROCESS
Involves an iterative survey of experts. 1
Focus on forecasting technological or social
developments.
2
3
Identify and prioritize policy goals or determining
expert opinion about some aspect of affairs that
cannot be measured directly by conventional
statistical means.
Delphi Surveys
PROCESS
Provide the benefits of a pooling and exchange of
opinions so that respondents can learn from each
others views, without the sort of undue influence
likely in conventional facetoface settings.
4
Each participant completes a questionnaire and
then is given feedback on the whole set of
responses.
5
6
The idea is that the entire group can thus weigh
dissenting views that are based on privileged or
rare information.
Glenn, Dick (2000), ICIS, Steyaert and Lisoir (2005)
Delphi Surveys
RESOURCES
AND
REQUIREMENTS
Skills

Expertise in designing questionnaires is necessary.

Good writing skills are helpful in reformulating
and summarizing responses.

No statistical analysis is necessary.
Equipment

Writing and printing facilities are required to
produce the questionnaires and process
the information reached in the survey.


Time

Requires several weeks to months, depending
mostly on how quickly experts can
return answers, and how many repetitions are
desired.

Time can be shortened by doing face-to-face
interviews rather than circulating
questions by mail.
Delphi Surveys
STRENGTHS
Expertise from a variety of sources can be
combined to provide an overview of the situation
at comparatively low cost.

The survey is designed to get experts to
exchange ideas, and generate collected wisdom
that should help to ensure that no important issues
are forgotten.

Anonymity reduces the risk of confrontations.
Delphi Surveys
WEAKNESSES
- Validity of opinions of the oracles varies with
who they are, so a crucial element is the correct
selection of experts.

- Relatively long-term commitment is required
from the experts.

- A very limited number of participants are
included