Delphi: A Research Approach for Complex Research Questions in Technical and Professional Communication

Although technical and professional communication (TPC) has long drawn on theories, methodologies, and methods from other disciplines, the authors argue that the Delphi research approach can aid researchers as they study and attempt to address the complex, context-dependent, and recursive nature of teaching and learning how to teach writing. The authors provide a brief background of the Delphi research approach and describe the steps to perform it in general terms. Then, they explain those steps in the context of a localized example and explain how this approach would most benefit the field of TPC. They conclude with a discussion of lessons learned and suggestions for future research.