Introduction:

The method for expert consultation is commonly applied to scientific research conducted in the Social Sciences to validate scales, approaches, planning, politics, and other matters in decision making; however, its incorrect, indiscriminate, and partial use is confirmed.

Objective:

To validate the need to apply the method for expert consultation at three levels in order to determine: the competence of experts; the reliability of the instrument used; and the consensus among experts on the topic approached.

Material and Methods:

Systematization of documents related to the use of the method for expert consultation in scientific research, master´s and doctoral theses, articles, monographs, and other publications. Non-parametric statistical tests were applied.

Results:

It is confirmed that the application of the method for expert consultation following the appropriate procedures allows for an increase in the methodological rigor and a contribution to scientific research.

Conclusions:

The method for expert consultation is an effective tool in scientific research provided that it is rigorously applied.

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