Skip to main content

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

Â