Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics as a useful methodological framework for the Delphi technique

Area of Science:

• Health and Well-being Research
• Philosophical Hermeneutics
• Methodology

Background:

• The Delphi Technique is increasingly used in health and well-being studies.
• There is a lack of attention to the methodological underpinnings of the Delphi Technique.
• A scoping review revealed an absence of a universally recognized methodology for Delphi.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate how Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics can serve as a methodological framework for the Delphi Technique.
• To address the need for methodological clarity in Delphi studies within health and well-being research.

Main Methods:

• The study proposes Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics as a congruent methodology for the Delphi Technique.
• This framework is suggested for studies exploring health and well-being.
• The Delphi Technique involves structured, anonymous, iterative surveys with expert participants.

Main Results:

• Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics provides a sound methodological framework for Delphi.
• This methodology aligns with the principles of Delphi, such as cultivating collective opinion and minimizing group dynamics.
• The framework supports research integrity in health and well-being studies.

Conclusions:

• Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics offers a valuable methodological approach for researchers using the Delphi Technique.
• This integration can enhance the rigor and integrity of health and well-being research.
• The proposed framework addresses the identified gap in Delphi methodology.