A Modified Nominal Group Technique (mNGT) - Finding Priorities in Research

Am J Health Behav. 2020 May 1;44(3):345-352. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.44.3.7.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe a modified nominal group technique (mNGT) approach to assess community health priorities and its application to a childhood obesity prevention project conducted with the high school population. Methods: This manuscript provides detailed information of a mNGT separately conducted with 3 cohorts, (students, teachers/administration, parents). Participants used a response sheet to brainstorm, document top 5 responses, and rank each response individually. We also used a unique reverse scoring method to quantify the qualitative data and within and between group scores for comparison against other cohorts. Summaries provided additional insight into the participants' perceptions. Results: The mNGT process successfully reduced limitations common to the traditional nominal group technique by providing an in-depth understanding of perceptions and understanding priorities. Conclusions: mNGT can be useful across other disciplines as a method of gathering rich qualitative feedback that can be transformed into a more quantitative form for analysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Educational Personnel
  • Feedback, Psychological*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion* / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents
  • Pediatric Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Qualitative Research*
  • Students