Rank Weighting in Multiattribute Utility Decision Making: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Equal Weights.

Abstract

The notion of 'dominance' in multiattribute utility decision contexts leads to a change in the considered alternative set. The implications of this set change are discussed in relation to the conditions of Wainer's (Wainer, 1976) 'equal weights theorem' and the resulting sensitivity to weighting of importance dimensions demonstrated. Data from three multiattribute decision making studies are examined using four rank weighting techniques as well as equal weights. Rank weighting of importance dimensions demonstrate marked improvement of approximation as reflected in both Pearson and rank order correlations for measures of overall utility across alternatives within the nondominated subset. Implications for multiattribute utility application are discussed. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1979
Accession Number
ADA078941

Entities

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  • Ward Edwards
  • William G. Stillwell

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  • University of Southern California

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  • Psychology

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