Visualizing Methods of Multi-criteria Alternatives for Pairwise Comparison Procedure

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of choosing a preferred alternative in a pairwise comparison procedure. The difficulties of applying this procedure in a case of using alternatives with a large number of criteria are noted. It is proposed to supplement the procedure of expert pairwise comparison with visualization tools of multi-criteria alternatives. The paper considers several visualization methods for multi-criteria alternatives for pairwise comparison procedures: histograms, two-dimensional graphs, three-dimensional surfaces, probability distribution diagrams, visualization based on modifications of radar and radial diagrams, as well as combined methods. It described an experimental study of the application of the considered method for the task of determining the preferred alternative by the example of choosing one of two OpenFoam solvers (rhoCentralFoam and pisaCentralFoam), with the help of which estimates of the accuracy of calculating the inviscid flow around a cone were obtained. Each solver is characterized by 288 criteria. It is shown that the use of some of the methods considered does not make it possible for the expert to make a choice. In this case, a good result was obtained using methods for constructing three-dimensional surfaces, probability distribution diagrams, as well as using the combined method based on modified radar diagrams. It is concluded that the rhoCentralFoam solver is more preferable if there are no additional criteria for ranking the criteria. The possibility of using the combined method in combination with the ranking procedure of criteria (or their groups) during decision-making is also noted.