Frequently asked questions
Can I use just one part of the ecosystem?
Yes. The three products work together as a pipeline but also apart: you can produce only a design (DPE), run Pronoia without DAE (descriptive reports), or analyse an existing dataset with DAE. The handoffs join the parts when you use them in sequence.
What is the difference between Pronoia and DAE?
Pronoia is descriptive (what the panel said and how views moved). DAE is interpretive (what it means), under quality gates and human review. A Pronoia report is DAE's source material, not an analysis.
Do I need DAE to get results?
No. Pronoia produces descriptive reports (summary, per-thesis result cards, round comparison) in HTML/PDF/Word. They are a proper summary but stay descriptive.
How do orientation and variation differ?
Orientation (N/S/R/E/D/D+) gives the standpoint — from where the future is studied. Variation (Argument Delphi, Classic Delphi, Real-Time Delphi, Barometer Delphi) gives the cadence — how rounds are paced. They are different axes. Classic and Argument Delphi run the same process and differ only in the aim (consensus / dissensus); Real-Time Delphi runs one round; Barometer Delphi rates the same theses again from one wave to the next.
Why is the response phase protected from others' answers?
To protect the core sequence independent judgement → feedback → reconsideration from social pressure (anchoring, bandwagon, dominance). The default preset (Classic, used by both Classic Delphi and Argument Delphi) uses after-submit: no anchoring before you commit, feedback right after. The protection concerns seeing, not answering: in the dialogue phase an unanswered thesis can still be answered.
Can the facilitator see panelists' real identities?
By default yes (for reminders and quality control). A per-panel blind-facilitator mode hides them, so the facilitator also sees only pseudonyms.
How are AI panelists marked?
Always and everywhere: "AI" plus a 2–3 word role description (e.g. AI · Economist). Never hidden, never presented as human.
How does group reporting protect anonymity?
With k-anonymity (k = 3): sub-groups of fewer than three are not reported, and the rule applies independently on each matrix axis. On small panels the pulse is shown at whole-panel level only.
When do I close the study?
When the panel has converged, or when dissensus is stable and well-understood — further rounds would add cost without insight. Read the pulse (convergence/dissensus per thesis) before deciding.
Are AI assistants' suggestions finished conclusions?
No. Generative assistants (e.g. PIRE's deepening suggestions) are always drafts that require an audit and that the facilitator owns. Interpretation is done in DAE under quality gates.