Exercise 7: Nominal Group Technique

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                         EXERCISE SEVEN
                     Nominal Group Technique

               Number of people:   5 to 12 people per small group
               Minimum time:       30 minutes
               Materials:          one flip chart per group
               Setting:            each group seated around a table

> Purpose

To obtain many ideas from several people on a problem/issue in a
structured format.

> Process

This technique is a structured variation of small-group discussion
methods.  The process prevents the domination of discussion by a
single person, encourages the more passive persons to participate,
and results in a set of prioritized solutions, recommendations, or
ideas.

1. State an open-ended task or problem.

2. Have each person spend several minutes silently brainstorming
all the possible ideas he/she can generate, and jot these ideas
down on a piece of paper.

3. Appoint a recorder (may also be the leader).

4. Collect the information from group members by asking each one to
give one suggestion.  Record them on a flip chart.  Do not discuss
ideas but allow clarification, if needed.  Continue this process
until all ideas are recorded.  Allow people to pass as appropriate.

5. After all ideas have been recorded, initiate discussion to
clarify and evaluate the ideas.

6. Decisions may be made, using one of the decision-making methods.

• Lois M. Frey, UVM Extension, RR #4, Box 2298, Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 223-2389, email: lfrey@sover.net
• "Group Development: Creating Group Effectiveness" by Duane Dale, DFD Associates, 99 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-3402 (moving to 764 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01022 after 8/1/98);
• Bob Biagi, 142 Cherry Lane, Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 549-1412;

Comments to: crs@uvm.edu
Reviewed as of 4/20/98