Decision Making in Research

 

Research Group Decision Making

 

Completing a quality doctoral dissertation requires a research process that uses a structured scientific method to achieve accurate and repeatable results (Carol Roberts, 2018). Leading a group decision-making process during research activities will be challenging and require the use of specific and tested methods (Goodman, 1987). Two typical methods are the Delphi Technique and Brainstorming. I chose these two for this assignment because I have used and am familiar with one method, brainstorming, and I have little knowledge of the other method, Delphi.

The Delphi Technique

The Delphi Technique, invented by the Rand Corporation in the 1950s, is a research survey method focusing on structuring group opinion and discussion (Goodman, 1987). The Delphi Technique avoids committees, which often include domineering personalities unwilling to change their opinion (Goodman, 1987). The Delphi Technique has four features: (1) anonymity, (2) iteration with controlled feedback, (3) statistical grouping response, and (4) expert input (Yousuf, 2007). Each Delphi characteristic focuses on achieving the best non-biased decision or opinion from a research group (Goodman, 1987).

Anonymity removes any domineering personas that may influence the research group (Goodman, 1987). Iterations with controlled feedback facilitate the synthesis of additional input as the research group processes information from other group members (Hsu & Sandford, 2007). Statistical grouping of the responses reduces bias in the final group decision (Hsu & Sandford, 2007). Expert input adds practical experience focusing on the research specifics (Yousuf, 2007).

The Brainstorming Technique

Brainstorming is a technique predicated on submitting ideas from research members without an immediate discussion (Furnham, 2000). However, research has shown that this concept is difficult for humans, with many members forming opinions upon submitting ideas (Furnham, 2000). The human challenge can easily be avoided by not showing the submissions until all research members have completed their recommendations, as in electronic brainstorming (Barki & Pinsonneault, 2001). Verbal or face-to-face brainstorming produces a good feeling amongst the research group but produces the least amount of ideas (Paulus & Kenworthy, 2019). Electronic brainstorming eliminates the blocking effect of each member's statement and allows the research group members more time to produce more thoughtful ideas (Paulus & Kenworthy, 2019).

Comparison

The difference between these two methods is clear and specific. The Delphi Technique uses a well-designed method that eliminates societal or domineering human effects, while the brainstorming method relies heavily on unstructured selection. Although the Delphi method may begin using brainstorming, the processes quickly diverge, resulting in a better group research decision and conclusion (Skulmoski et al., 2007).

 

References

 

Barki, H., & Pinsonneault, A. (2001). Small Group Brainstorming and Idea Quality: Is Electronic Brainstorming the Most Effective Approach? Small Group Research, 32(2), 158-205.

 

Carol Roberts, L. H. (2018). The Dissertation Journey (3rd Edition)  [book]. SAGE Publications, Inc. https://coloradotech.vitalsource.com/books/9781506373331

 

Furnham, A. (2000). The Brainstorming Myth. Business strategy review, 11(4), 21-28.

 

Goodman, C. M. (1987). The Delphi Technique: A Critique. Journal of advanced nursing, 12(6), 729-734.

 

Hsu, C.-C., & Sandford, B. A. (2007). The Delphi Technique: Making Sense of Consensus. Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation, 12(1), 10.

 

Paulus, P. B., & Kenworthy, J. B. (2019). Effective Brainstorming. The Oxford handbook of group creativity and innovation, 287-386. https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Oxford_Handbook_of_Group_Creativity/YiSQDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=brainstorming+in+research&pg=PA287&printsec=frontcover

 

Skulmoski, G. J., Hartman, F. T., & Krahn, J. (2007). The Delphi Method for Graduate Research. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 6(1), 1-21.

 

Yousuf, M. I. (2007). Using Experts Opinions Through Delphi Technique. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.7275/rrph-t210