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An impossibility theorem for paired comparisons

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  • László Csató

    (Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA SZTAKI)
    Corvinus University of Budapest (BCE))

Abstract

In several decision-making problems, alternatives should be ranked on the basis of paired comparisons between them. We present an axiomatic approach for the universal ranking problem with arbitrary preference intensities, incomplete and multiple comparisons. In particular, two basic properties—independence of irrelevant matches and self-consistency—are considered. It is revealed that there exists no ranking method satisfying both requirements at the same time. The impossibility result holds under various restrictions on the set of ranking problems, however, it does not emerge in the case of round-robin tournaments. An interesting and more general possibility result is obtained by restricting the domain of independence of irrelevant matches through the concept of macrovertex.

Suggested Citation

  • László Csató, 2019. "An impossibility theorem for paired comparisons," Central European Journal of Operations Research, Springer;Slovak Society for Operations Research;Hungarian Operational Research Society;Czech Society for Operations Research;Österr. Gesellschaft für Operations Research (ÖGOR);Slovenian Society Informatika - Section for Operational Research;Croatian Operational Research Society, vol. 27(2), pages 497-514, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:cejnor:v:27:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s10100-018-0572-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10100-018-0572-5
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    3. Csató, László & Tóth, Csaba, 2020. "University rankings from the revealed preferences of the applicants," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 286(1), pages 309-320.
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    5. Csató, László, 2019. "Journal ranking should depend on the level of aggregation," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 13(4).

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