Using the Delphi method

The reliability and validity of the selected research method are subjects to which every researcher is bound to address himself when representing the findings and conclusions of his/her work. In this study we will discuss the reliability, validity and philosophical aspects of the Delphi method, first with a small literature review and then by representing two different surveys conducted using the Delphi method. The point of view in our report is the usability of Delphi in collecting qualitative data for software engineering research. The most significant features of the Delphi method are its recursion and the possibility to get immediate feedback and evaluate one´s own answer. Although there are many forms of Delphi techniques, these features exist in one form or the other in all Delphi variations. In Delphi-based surveys, the minimum number of participants is smaller and participants are not selected at random but because of their particular expertise. Among the traditional research methods this is seen to cause the risk of bias and endangering both reliability and validity. In the Delphi method, the recursion produced by three or more rounds, the expertise and - in most cases - anonymity of participants, and the opportunity to evaluate and argue one´s own answer after having seen the other opinions and arguments are thought to guarantee the quality of well-planned and well-conducted research.