Worksheet 12. Constructing a Comparison Matrix.

Use this technique for multi-dimensional comparisons. Define your options, your criteria for comparing them, and then make the one-by-one comparisons. (For an example, see Box 11 in the text.) Here we show space for five options and four criteria, but you can apply this method with any number of options and criteria.

Step 1: Define Your Options (write in a few words).

Option
A............................................................................................................................
Option
B............................................................................................................................
Option
C............................................................................................................................
Option
D............................................................................................................................
Option
E............................................................................................................................

Step 2. Define Your Criteria for Comparing the Options (write in a few words).

Criterion
1.........................................................................................................................
Criterion
2.........................................................................................................................
Criterion
3.........................................................................................................................
Criterion
4.........................................................................................................................

Step 3. Rate Each Option According to Each Criterion (fill each cell with words, symbols, or numbers to indicate how each option meets each criterion). You will need to use additional paper for writing space.

	Criterion 1	Criterion 2	Criterion 3	Criterion 4
Option A
Option B
Option C
Option D
Option E

Continuation of Worksheet 12:

Step 4. Construct the Comparison Matrix. In each pair below, which option is preferred? (in each cell, write the superior option)

	Option B	Option C	Option D	Option E
Option A
Option B
Option C
Option D

Step 5. Count the Number of Times Each Option Is Preferred Over Another.