Voorkeurmethode

Voorkeurmethode is a Dutch term for methods used to elicit and model preferences of decision-makers when choosing among alternatives. It encompasses a family of techniques within decision analysis and multi-criteria decision aid (MCDA).

The aim is to translate subjective preferences into a numerical or ordinal representation to support decision making under uncertainty and complexity. It helps compare options when multiple criteria matter.

Common techniques include direct rating (scaling options), ranking, pairwise comparisons, conjoint analysis and utility elicitation. In MCDA contexts, approaches like analytic hierarchy process (AHP), PROMETHEE, and TOPSIS may be used as implementations of a voorkeursmethode.

Process steps typically involve defining alternatives and criteria, selecting stakeholders, eliciting preferences, building a preference model (weights, utilities), computing scores or rankings, and performing sensitivity analysis to test robustness of the results.

Strengths of voorkeursmethode include transparency, structure, and the ability to incorporate multiple criteria and stakeholder values. Limitations include cognitive burden on respondents, potential inconsistencies in answers, dependence on the chosen rating scale, potential biases, and outcomes that hinge on the chosen model and elicitation approach.

Applications span policy making, urban and regional planning, product design, healthcare triage, environmental planning, and marketing research, where decisions must balance competing goals and stakeholder values.

See also MCDA, AHP, PROMETHEE, conjoint analysis.