The Delphi Method in Quantitative Research (Statistical Associates "Blue Book" Series Book 44)

The Delphi Method in Quantitative Research (Statistical Associates "Blue Book" Series Book 44)

A graduate-level illustrated introduction to and tutorial the Delphi method, discussing quantitative applications and explaining fuzzy math approaches to Delphi networks.<br /><br />Why we think it's important: The Delphi method has been used primarily as a qualitative approach in the social sciences. While the previous edition highlighted many of thw quantitative uses of Delphi, the 2014 edition provides an illustrated tutorial on its applied mathematics, giving students the basis for undertaking their own quantitative Delphi analyses.<br /><br />New in the 2014 edition:<br /><br /> Now includes an extended illustrated tutorial on how to use fuzzy mathematics to analyze Delphi networks.<br /> Covers measures of central tendency, agreement network analysis, anc mean network potency.<br /> Nearly double the length of the previous edition with expanded discussion throughout. <br /><br />Table of Contents<br />Overview5<br />Key Concepts and Terms6<br />Appropriateness6<br />Rounds6<br />Forecasts vs. reasons6<br />Legitimation and Selection of Experts6<br />Anonymity7<br />Examples of Delphi in quantitative research8<br />Defining constructs8<br />Developing and selecting indicators8<br />Creating a multidimensional instrument9<br />Creating a typological framework10<br />Coding10<br />Establishing the construct validity of factor weightings11<br />Integrating factor eigenvalues and Delphi weights for purposes of optimal scoring for selection among alternatives11<br />Adjusting statistical forecasts12<br />Using fuzzy mathematics in Delphi research13<br />Overview13<br />Example14<br />Triangular fuzzy numbers (TFN)16<br />Distances17<br />Overview17<br />The geometric method17<br />The vertex method18<br />Analysis20<br />Overview20<br />Central tendency20<br />Agreement network21<br />Mean network potency25<br />Project planning networks25<br />Assumptions27<br />Representative selection of experts27<br />Expert knowledge27<br />Expert Motivation27<br />Bias toward the mean27<br />Avoidance of researcher bias28<br />Intermediate level of predictability28<br />Frequently Asked Questions28<br />How many experts should serve on a Delphi panel?28<br />How are experts selected?29<br />How many rounds should there be in a Delphi process?29<br />How long does the Delphi process take?30<br />What if no consensus is reached?30<br />What is e-Delphi?31<br />Is the Delphi administrator always a neutral facilitator?32<br />Bibliography32<br />Pagecount 38<br /><br />