American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which method involves a structured process for achieving consensus among citizens?

1. Focus Group

2. Delphi Method

3. Conventional Survey

4. Consensus Building Tool

The correct answer is: Delphi Method

The correct answer is the Delphi Method, which involves a structured process aimed at achieving consensus among a group of individuals, often experts in a specific field. This method is particularly beneficial in situations where subjective opinions are valuable, and it seeks to harness the wisdom of those participating to arrive at a collective judgment or understanding. The Delphi Method typically involves several rounds of questionnaires or surveys, wherein participants respond to questions anonymously. After each round, a facilitator provides a summary of the responses, and participants are invited to revise their answers in subsequent rounds based on the group's feedback. This iterative process helps reduce the influence of dominant personalities and encourages honest sharing of opinions, ultimately leading to a more informed and convergent perspective on the issue at hand. In contrast, focus groups gather individuals to discuss specific topics in a more free-flowing manner, allowing for varied opinions to surface but not necessarily aiming for consensus. A conventional survey is designed to collect individual responses and does not provide the structured consensus-seeking framework that the Delphi Method employs. While a consensus building tool may aid in facilitation of consensus, it lacks the systematic, iterative approach that defines the Delphi Method.