The Application of Multi-Attribute Scaling Procedures to the Development of Indices of Value.
Abstract
Multi-attribute scaling procedures were applied to a non-laboratory problem--to the measurement of water quality. Several different variables (such as nitrate, fecal coloforms, turbidity and dissolved solids) contribute to water pollution. It is possible to obtain physical measures of each of the variables, but no physical model exists for combining the measures into an overall index of quality. The multi-attribute scaling procedures were applied to this task by assessing, from water quality engineers, judgments about which variables should be included in the index, the type for combining the variables, the relative importance weights of the different variables, and a curve describing the functional relation between water quality and each variable. Water quality indices were obtained for two specific purposes--for 'public water supply' and for 'fish and wild-life'. The experimenter used a modified Delphi procedure for obtaining concensus among the engineers for each of the indices. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0746155
Entities
People
- Michael F. O'connor
Organizations
- University of Michigan