The overall research effort is directed toward development of comprehensive and systematic methodology for evaluating the potential utility of alternative transportation proposals.
The series of Memoranda can be classified into several types of papers. In the first and major part we are attempting to integrate our efforts into an overall evaluation framework. y
Part II is composed of supporting Memoranda on some of the more relevant theoretical aspects associated with combining many dimensions in an alternative selection process. Part III consists of important gap-filling papers and background materials.
This Memorandum is one of three thus far dealing with techniques for analysis of multidimensional alternatives. z The paper discusses some techniques a decisionmaker might employ if he wants to assess a utility function (interpreted in a probabilistic sense) over complex consequences}consequences that can be at best described only in terms of several attributes or descriptors. Portions of the paper extend the discussion found on pages 246-255 of the author's book, Decision Analysis: Introductory Lectures on Choices Under Uncertainty, Addison-Wesley (1968). Unlike other Memoranda in the series, this research was jointly supported by the Department of Transportation and The RAND Corporation's own research funds. The Memorandum is part of a continuing program of study and therefore findings should be considered as interim in nature.
*Originally published as: Raiffa H. (1969). Preferences for Multi-Attributed Alternatives. Memorandum RM-5868-DOT/RC.