The delphi method in current educational research: A theoretical and methodological review

Abstract

The Delphi method has been developed in different areas of scientific research, which somehow supports its social and methodological validity. This methodological development has not been foreign to the Educational Sciences. There are several research studies that develop the Delphi method, although sometimes the label «Delphi method» has been applied to other methodological proposals which did not integrate some key elements that the Delphi method requires. This situation reveals the need to clarify the basic parameters of this method. The aim of the current article is twofold. First, to analyze and discuss the methodological foundations of Delphi. After reviewing the literature, it has been found that, although there are various ways to develop Delphi processes, some common methodological parameters must be taken into account; namely: the selection of panel experts, the number of experts, the quality of the panel, the iterative process in rounds, and the criteria that must be considered in order to complete the process. Secondly, the article explores the applications and uses of Delphi in current research in education. To do this, a total of 15 research studies have been selected and analyzed after a review of the literature with an international perspective, over the period 2012-2015. The paper provides a methodological knowledge of Delphi, while illustrating, at the same time, its current use and application in educational research. Its potential and the difficulties it poses, as well as the contributions of technology to its development, are discussed. In addition, the article is intended to be a guide which will help the decision-making in those investigations that want to develop the Delphi method.