Final answer:
The Delphi group technique is a method of group decision-making employing rounds of anonymous questionnaires among a panel of experts, who adjust their answers based on feedback until consensus is reached, avoiding groupthink and group polarization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Delphi group technique is a group decision-making technique in which a panel of experts answers questionnaires in two or more rounds. After each round, a facilitator provides an anonymous summary of the experts' forecasts from the previous round as well as the reasons they provided for their judgments. This allows the experts to revise their earlier answers in light of the replies of other members of their panel. It is widely used to generate a broad range of opinions and converge on an agreed decision without the need for physical meetings.
Groupthink and group polarization are phenomena that can influence collective decision-making in groups. Groupthink refers to the conformity of opinions within a group, potentially leading to suboptimal decision outcomes. Conversely, group polarization can cause the group's prevailing opinion to become more extreme following discussions. To mitigate these effects, strategies involving seeking outside opinions and voting in private may be employed.
Collective dilemmas present challenges in group decision-making where coordination is essential and the findings must balance the different preferences and opinions within the group. The Delphi technique seeks to overcome these dilemmas by using iterative questioning and feedback to reach a consensus.