Pairwise Comparison

An important procedure used in Concept Star is the 'linking' of elements. This process focuses on impact of one element on the other. The elements are presented by the software to the user 2 at a time, to use the power of pairwise analysis (comparison) method. The human brain is very good at evaluating pairs, but the precision decreases rapidly as the number of elements is increased.

Prominent psychometrician, L. L. Thurstone, first introduced a scientific approach to using pairwise comparisons for measurement in 1927, which he referred to as the Law of comparative judgment. Thurstone linked this approach to the psychophysical theory developed by Ernst Heinrich Weber and Gustav Fechner.

In context of Concept Star, concentrating on one elements pair at a time allows subject matter experts, who are not well versed about the overall big-picture, to participate and contribute to the analysis in a significant manner. If you look at the principle behind vernier callipers, you will see that the measurement is based on comparing the positions of hairlines a pair at a time to find the pair that maches up. For examiing relationships between elements, this method provides precision, and the results are tracked by the computer to synthesize a visual map of the situation.

Here are some references for further study and applications of pairwise comparison method.

• Andrich, D. (1978b). Relationships between the Thurstone and Rasch approaches to item scaling. Applied Psychological Measurement, 2, 449-460.
• Bradley, R.A. and Terry, M.E. (1952). Rank analysis of incomplete block designs, I. the method of paired comparisons. Biometrika, 39, 324-345.
• Luce, R.D. (1959). Individual Choice Behaviours: A Theoretical Analysis. New York: J. Wiley.
• Michell, J. (1997). Quantitative science and the definition of measurement in psychology. British Journal of Psychology, 88, 355-383.
• Rasch, G. (1960/1980). Probabilistic models for some intelligence and attainment tests. (Copenhagen, Danish Institute for Educational Research), expanded edition (1980) with foreword and afterword by B.D. Wright. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

For more information about how Concept Star works click Concept Star basics.

Concept Star decision support system is easy to learn & use. Concept Star professional software and training package is reasonably priced and includes all materials needed to l earn and use Concept Star effectively.