In comparison of two methods, the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and the Delphi Method, the NGT is an evaluation method that provides semi-quantitative and ranking of feedback about a group of participants of what can be good and/or bad aspects of an learning program. And, it involves evaluation and equal participations by participants in an iterative (refinement of ideas based on brainstorming) evolution process that mainly gives that participates a full involvement of developing and ranking ideas.
As a course evaluation tool, the NGT provides a productive and analytic approach that allows equal participation by all group members, which prevents unequal influences. The NGT process of ideas (opinions) refinement, it provides a more comprehensive forum for gathering suggestions, which results in generating a larger number of innovative ideas and comments that other direct methods, such as learner surveys or focus groups, cannot cover.
Besides the innovation, the NGT is time and resources saving in preparation and conducting comparing to other methods. Again, comparing to other classic methods, such as the learner surveys or focus groups, NGT provides a rank-ordered and weighted, semi-quantitative data on learners’ perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of a course, or other program, with a larger involvement like a spectrum on ideas that represent larger group.
The Delphi Method in contrast, is a research method, and it has an iterative process and uses feedback, but it uses a series of questionnaires that are per-designed and then designed again based on the prior questioner results by the researcher to refine a desired solution or a problem, decision, forecast…etc. that’s not exist.
The classical Delphi method has four important key features; the anonymity of the participants, iteration and refinement, controlled feedback, and it allows for quantitative analysis of the gathered data.
Comparing to other research methods, the Delphi method is very much similar where it starts with literature review, developing research questions, research design...etc. But, the key features of the Delphi method are the research sample (prototype like), the involved participants selection (the sample), the iterative questionnaires involved (refinement), and the process of questionnaires refinement by a pilot study.
As for the proposed idea of developing a picture analysis and web picture search engine, the Delphi method can be more appropriate for evaluating and developing the project. The Delphi method can help not only in developing a complete research of presenting the idea to existence, but it can also provide a detailed forecast about the future of the idea from the refinement of the idea and what can involve based on three important factors, the type of the involved participants and what they can contribute with to the idea (for example, the adoption, or the effect on the society), the refined knowledge (for example, how the project development process can take a place and the involved risks), and uncovering unseen issues such as legal issues in this area.
However, the only drawbacks with using this method for researching this project can be the time required to complete the research as the Delphi method requires more time to identify the solution and answer the research question(s) through the rounds or the refinement process “anonymity takes time”, and the participants’ willing to constructively participate with the desired knowledge and experience with the issues under investigation (for example, the legal issues that can accompany the development on the project).
References:
1) Skulmoski, G. J., and Hartman, F. T. and Krahn, J., "The Delphi Method for Graduate Research." Volume 6, 2007. Journal of Information Technology Education. Link: http://jite.org/documents/Vol6/JITEv6p001-021Skulmoski212.pdf
2) Dobbie, A.,Rhodes, M.,Tysinger, J. W., and Freeman, J., "Using a Modified Nominal Group Technique As a Curriculum Evaluation Tool." June 2004. Vol. 36, No. 6. FamilyMedicine. Link: http://www.stfm.org/fmhub/fm2004/June/Alison402.pdf
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