A study on the characteristics of the Delphi method and focus group as techniques to obtain data in exploratory research

Abstract

DOI: 10.5902/198346596243 This study aimed to describe the main characteristics of the Delphi method and focus group as data collection techniques in exploratory research. This is a bibliographic study, conducted with materials published in books, magazines, electronic networks etc.., Of primary and secondary sources. The results demonstrate that the focus group technique has no anonymity of the participants, as in Delphi, and that the interaction between the participants is carried out by uncontrolled feedback, unlike what occurs in the Delphi method. The research Delphie accomplished through structured questionnaires applied to experts, intensively and interspersed in several rounds. The main benefits of focus group techniques for exploratory research are: i) to assist in the formulation of hypotheses, since the discussion on specific topic leads to clarity of thought, helping to express research propositions ii) assist in identifying relevant concepts of research, which may be characteristic of a product or a service, working in the operational definition of a concept in the identification and testing of new research ideas. Denotes that both methods, Delphi and focus group contributions have efficient data collection for research of an exploratory nature.