Table 3 Strengths and weaknesses of NGT
From: Not just another focus group: making the case for the nominal group technique in criminology
| Standard NGT | Online application NGT | |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | - Subject-matter experts sample | - Anonymity |
| - Number of creative ideas generated | - Access to difficult to engage population | |
| - Equal participation (in idea generation and in voting) | - Saves (travel) expenses and time | |
| - Limits researcher influence – participant-led | - Flexibility – convenience (asynchrounous) | |
| - Highly structured | ||
| - Participants’ sense of accomplishment and motivation | ||
| - Basic data-analysis quick and easy | ||
| - Part of mixed-method | ||
| Weaknesses | - Selection and response bias | - Restrict participation |
| - Single-topic sessions - research question critical | - Limited computer access or computer-illiteracy | |
| - Group dynamics remain | - Lack nonverbal cues | |
| - Two researchers needed | - Lack of real-time group dynamic | |
| - Physically attend meeting – no anonymity | ||
| - (Limited) reading and writing skills required | ||
| - Provides only limited depth |