3.2 Philosophy of Research Inquiry
At present, research on the studied phenomenon are empirical. This involves gathering data from a random or selected panel of experts, which a Delphi study facilitates. According to Mitroff and Turoff (1975) the epistemological positions of the researcher influences the respondent s’ answers to the Delphi questionnaire. An argument supported by Churchman (1971) who reported on the various philosophical perspectives of a Delphi study (Tapio et al., 2011, p.1626). They have categorised these perspectives according to the following philosophies of John Locke, Gottfried Leibniz, Immanuel Kant, George Hegel and Edgar Singer (Hammer and Boggs, 2011, p.254-256). In addition, Mitroff and Turoff (1975) have also emphasised …show more content…
Moreover, one view or opinion would describe the eventual course of development (ibid), although a consensus is applicable. Thirdly, a Kantian system of inquiry combines data and theory through reciprocity in an abductive manner. Therefore, quantitative or qualitative data in this type of study should raise important aspects about the future worth considering. However, a Kantian oriented Delphi would address both probable and preferred futures (ibid). Fourthly, an Hegelian inquiry system is based on forming a thesis and its antithesis proceeding towards a synthesis in a dialogue (ibid). This implies that a “Hegelian Delphi study would form a plan and its counter plan, which would transcend into a new synthetic plan through discussions” (Mitroff and Turoff, 1975, cited in Tapio et al., 2011, p.1626). Moreover, quantitative and qualitative enquiry methods for Hegel are interlinked, because extensive change in quantity also affects quality (ibid). Also Mitroff and Turoff (1975) argue that in …show more content…
Although, Delphi participants vary in number from 4 to 345 (Skulmoski et al., 2007, P.5), the current study managed a total of 20 respondent feedbacks with 13 complete questionnaires in round one. Nonetheless, the essential characteristic of a Delphi study in application is a group size of 20 respondents to overcome individual biases influencing overall feedback from respondents (Akkermans et al., 2003, P. 290). According to Skulmonski et al., (2007) heterogeneous samples tend to have a considerable number of respondents, while homogenous samples are limited in number possibly due to the nature of the researched issue or phenomenon. Similarly, a non probabilistic sampling orientation was adopted because the goal of the study is not to generalise to the population, but to obtain insights about a phenomenon by selecting individuals that will increase the understanding of that underlying phenomenon through a purposive sampling method (Onwuegbuzie and Collins, 2007, P.
At present, research on the studied phenomenon are empirical. This involves gathering data from a random or selected panel of experts, which a Delphi study facilitates. According to Mitroff and Turoff (1975) the epistemological positions of the researcher influences the respondent s’ answers to the Delphi questionnaire. An argument supported by Churchman (1971) who reported on the various philosophical perspectives of a Delphi study (Tapio et al., 2011, p.1626). They have categorised these perspectives according to the following philosophies of John Locke, Gottfried Leibniz, Immanuel Kant, George Hegel and Edgar Singer (Hammer and Boggs, 2011, p.254-256). In addition, Mitroff and Turoff (1975) have also emphasised …show more content…
Moreover, one view or opinion would describe the eventual course of development (ibid), although a consensus is applicable. Thirdly, a Kantian system of inquiry combines data and theory through reciprocity in an abductive manner. Therefore, quantitative or qualitative data in this type of study should raise important aspects about the future worth considering. However, a Kantian oriented Delphi would address both probable and preferred futures (ibid). Fourthly, an Hegelian inquiry system is based on forming a thesis and its antithesis proceeding towards a synthesis in a dialogue (ibid). This implies that a “Hegelian Delphi study would form a plan and its counter plan, which would transcend into a new synthetic plan through discussions” (Mitroff and Turoff, 1975, cited in Tapio et al., 2011, p.1626). Moreover, quantitative and qualitative enquiry methods for Hegel are interlinked, because extensive change in quantity also affects quality (ibid). Also Mitroff and Turoff (1975) argue that in …show more content…
Although, Delphi participants vary in number from 4 to 345 (Skulmoski et al., 2007, P.5), the current study managed a total of 20 respondent feedbacks with 13 complete questionnaires in round one. Nonetheless, the essential characteristic of a Delphi study in application is a group size of 20 respondents to overcome individual biases influencing overall feedback from respondents (Akkermans et al., 2003, P. 290). According to Skulmonski et al., (2007) heterogeneous samples tend to have a considerable number of respondents, while homogenous samples are limited in number possibly due to the nature of the researched issue or phenomenon. Similarly, a non probabilistic sampling orientation was adopted because the goal of the study is not to generalise to the population, but to obtain insights about a phenomenon by selecting individuals that will increase the understanding of that underlying phenomenon through a purposive sampling method (Onwuegbuzie and Collins, 2007, P.