The Delphi Technique as a Method for Increasing Inclusion in the Evaluation Process

Abstract

The question of how best to integrate the views of underrepresented and marginalized groups in the evaluation process is of critical importance to many evaluation theorists and practitioners. In this article the Delphi technique, a method used to achieve consensus on a set of issues with the participation of all interested parties without incident or confrontation that could compromise the validity of collected data, is offered as a procedure for enhancing marginalized group participation in the evaluation process. Demonstrated by a case example, the Delphi technique is used to help ensure that all relevant stakeholders have a voice and that sometimes-silenced voices have equal influence. As a result, it is suggested that this technique lends itself to implementation with social justice evaluation models. The benefits of and lessons learned when using the Delphi technique to promote marginalized group participation and representation in evaluations are discussed.