What does the Delphi method aim to achieve?

The Delphi method is designed to achieve a structured approach to gather expert consensus. It involves a series of rounds of questionnaires sent to a panel of experts, with the goal of reaching a reliable agreement on a specific topic or question. Instead of relying on immediate responses, the Delphi method emphasizes the importance of anonymity among experts, which helps to reduce bias and encourage open and honest feedback.

By systematically collecting and distilling the opinions of specialists over multiple rounds, the process allows participants to refine their viewpoints based on the feedback received, ultimately guiding the group toward a well-informed consensus. This structured format is crucial in contexts such as forecasting, policy-making, and strategic planning, where diverse perspectives are necessary to form a comprehensive understanding.

The other options miss the key aspects of the Delphi method. Immediate decision-making based on individual opinion lacks the deliberative and iterative nature of the process, while informal discussions do not provide the same structured framework for synthesizing expert insights. A rapid data collection method does not capture the depth of analysis and refinement characteristic of the Delphi approach.