Question 64

It can prevent social pressures.

The Delphi technique provides a structured method for gathering expert opinions while minimizing the influence of dominant individuals or groupthink. This allows for independent and unbiased feedback from each expert.

A) It is quick.

While the Delphi technique can be efficient in collecting feedback through surveys, it often involves multiple rounds of questioning and synthesis of responses, which can make it time-consuming. Thus, speed is not a primary advantage of this method.

B) It is easy to find panel experts.

Finding appropriate experts for a Delphi study can be challenging, as it requires individuals with specific knowledge and expertise relevant to the topic. Therefore, this option does not accurately reflect a key advantage of the Delphi technique.

C) It is useful for new products.

Although the Delphi technique can be applied to gather insights on new products, this is not its primary advantage. The technique's strength lies in its ability to gather diverse opinions and achieve consensus, rather than solely focusing on product development.

D) It can prevent social pressures.

This is a significant advantage of the Delphi technique, as it allows experts to provide their opinions anonymously, reducing the risk of social pressures that can influence decision-making in group settings. This feature encourages honest and thoughtful contributions from all panel members.

Conclusion

The Delphi technique's ability to prevent social pressures is a definitive advantage, as it fosters an environment where experts can share their insights without the fear of judgment or influence from others. In contrast, the other options either misrepresent the technique's strengths or focus on aspects that are not its primary benefits. Thus, option D stands out as the most accurate reflection of the technique's advantages.