Nominal group technique

Nominal (meaning in name only) group technique (NGT) is a structured variation of a small-group discussion to

reach consensus. NGT gathers information by asking individuals to respond to questions posed by a moderator, and then asking participants to prioritize the ideas or suggestions of all group members. 

The process prevents the domination of the discussion by a single person, encourages all group members to participate, and results in a set of prioritized solutions or recommendations that represent the group’s  preferences. 

The Four Step Process to Conduct NGT

1.Generating Ideas:

The moderator presents the

question or problem to the group in written form and

reads the question to the group. The moderator directs

everyone to write ideas in brief phrases or statements and

to work silently and in dependently. Each person silently

generates ideas and writes them down.

2.Recording Ideas:

Group members engage in a

round-robin feedback session to concisely record each

idea (without debate at this point). The moderator writes

an idea from a group member on a flip chart that is

visible to the entire group, and proceeds to ask for

another idea from the next group member, and so on.

There is no need to repeat ideas; however, if group

members believe that an idea provides a different

emphasis or variation, feel free to include it. Proceed

until all members’ ideas have been documented.

3.Discussing Ideas:

Each recorded idea is then

discussed to determine clarity and importance. For each

idea, the moderator asks, “Are there any questions or

comments group members would like to make about the

item?” This step provides an opportunity for members to

express their understanding of the logic and the relative

importance of the item. The creator of the idea need not

feel obliged to clarify or explain the item; any member of

the group can play that role.

4.Voting on Ideas:

Individuals vote privately to prioritize the ideas. The votes are tallied to identify the

ideas that are rated highest by the group as a whole.