@article{ref1,
title="Not just another focus group: making the case for the nominal group technique in criminology",
journal="Crime science",
year="2015",
author="Laenen, Freya Vander",
volume="4",
number="1",
pages="1-12",
abstract="Background  The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is seldom applied in criminological research. This article explores the potential of NGT as a tool for criminological research. <br><br>METHODS  NGT is a highly structured technique combining characteristics of an individual survey and a focus group. <br><br>RESULTS  It offers various benefits: 1) it limits researcher influence and influence from group dynamics; 2) increases the likelihood of equal participation for all group members; 3) affords equal influence to (conflicting) values and ideas; 4) can be used in an exploratory (phase of a) study as well as to generate hypotheses about topics that are unfamiliar to the researcher; and 5) is useful for determining the ideas of a research population that is socially or culturally different from that of the researcher. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS  NGT is particularly relevant in applied research as a decision-making tool and as a consensus method. It also holds promise as an online tool for criminological research focused on sensitive topics where participants take part anonymously. <br><br>KEYWORDS:  Methodology Group technique Online tool<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2193-7680",
doi="10.1186/s40163-014-0016-z",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40163-014-0016-z"
}