Group Research Methods

Bill Krysinski 

Doctoral Research: Futuring and Innovation (CS875-2003C-01)

Unit 2 Discussion Board 2

Dr. Cynthia Calongne 

July 28, 2020

 

Group Research Methods

Group decision making is the process of using the collective, instead of the individual, to participate in making a decision. There are several formalized techniques groups could use to participate in the process. While the Delphi technique is the most recognized of the group decision-making process, choosing what type of group decision method is determined by several factors. These factors include the decision needed, the expertise level of the individuals that are participating, and the amount of time allotted by the participants.      

The Delphi technique takes advantage of subject matter experts (SME) guidance by using anonymous questionnaires to make the decision.  These questionnaires are summarized and primarily used for forecasting with eh SME never meeting in a group setting. Thrope and Holt (2008) list the benefits of Delphi include can be repeated, SMEs use their expertise to share judgments, and researchers control the information path. This technique is only as effective as the communication of the expert. Researchers are heavily relying on the SME to be engaged in the questionnaire.            

The Nominal technique is similar to a traditional brainstorming session. Ideally, small groups of less than ten individuals meet to solve the predetermined problem. The goal of the Nominal group is to present solutions and then rank-order the solutions offered during the session (McKillip, 1987).   Unlike the Delphi method, group members do meet with each other and know what solutions were presented by whom. Nominal group members may or may not be considered experts in the problem reviewed.    

 

References

 

 

McKillip, J. (1987). Structured groups. In McKillip, J. Applied Social Research Methods: Need

analysis (pp. 86-94). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi:

10.4135/9781412985260

 

Thorpe, R., & Holt, R. (2008). The SAGE dictionary of qualitative management research (Vols.

1-0). London, : SAGE Publications Ltd doi: 10.4135/9780857020109