The emergence of complex issues with insufficient information has led to the development of consensus methods, with the Delphi method being a prominent example. This study aimed to review related research to provide a comprehensive understanding of the method's characteristics, goals, implementation process, strengths, and limitations. The research methodology involved searching multiple academic databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ERIC, ProQuest, CIVILICA, and Google Scholar, using English and Persian keywords with no time restrictions up to June 2023.
A literature review reveals that the Delphi method is employed to systematically collect and synthesize expert opinions to reach a consensus on a specific issue, particularly when experts are geographically dispersed. The method is especially effective for addressing complex topics characterized by ambiguity, uncertainty, and limited empirical evidence. The key advantages of the Delphi technique encompass utilizing diverse communication strategies, facilitating comprehensive subject identification and understanding, and mitigating the potential bias and undue influence of individual personalities on collective group perspectives.
Despite its methodological robustness, the Delphi method encompasses several significant limitations that researchers must critically evaluate. These challenges include a protracted and resource-intensive process, potential inherent information source biases, risks of expert participant attrition, potential low response rates, participant methodological and topical fatigue, absence of standardized expert selection criteria, ambiguity in consensus definition parameters, and complexities surrounding optimal expert group composition. By meticulously understanding these methodological constraints and proactively developing strategic mitigation approaches, researchers can effectively leverage the Delphi technique to generate sophisticated, multi-dimensional insights and facilitate evidence-based, forward-looking decision-making processes.