What does the Delphi technique rely on?

The Delphi technique is a structured method for gathering information and reaching consensus among a panel of experts through a series of iterative questionnaires. It operates on the principle of leveraging the knowledge of these experts, allowing them to express their opinions anonymously. This process typically involves multiple rounds of questions, where participants provide their input and then receive feedback on the group's collective responses, which ultimately aids in refining their views and moving towards a consensus.

This technique is particularly effective in situations where subjective judgments are required, as it minimizes the influence of dominant individuals and encourages all experts to contribute. The anonymity helps to reduce bias and elicitation of true opinions, making the process reliable for making informed decisions on complex issues.

The other options do not accurately reflect what the Delphi technique is founded upon, as the technique specifically emphasizes gathering the insights and forecasts of experts rather than relying solely on public opinion, analyzing past project data, or merely surveying stakeholders.