Delphi Survey

The Delphi method is a multi-round process that combines opinions and insight from experts.  For my Delphi survey, I wanted to reach a consensus from economic experts on the best measures of determining the economic effects of hosting the Olympic Games.  I emailed my survey out to a variety of academic analysts, Olympic experts and professors.  The participants represented an assortment of countries including Norway, Germany and the United States.    

My survey question was: What are the best measures to use in judging the economic effects of hosting the Olympics?

This method was probably my least favorite of all the research methods.  While I enjoyed receiving resources from some of my textbook authors and favorite economists, I felt that the broad and simple Delphi question sometimes made a negative impression on experts.  Overall, the method did put me in contact with several experts that I am planning on meeting in person when I conduct research in Norway this summer.