METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR GAUGING GROUP CHOICES

摘要

Methods and apparatus for a choice processor that gauges group choice in a computer-mediated environment. The system uses scientific analysis of collective choice processes and outcomes produced by different voting methods to provide result data to guide an individual or group in making decisions synchronously or asynchronously. Three forms of instantaneous result data are provided. First, the system makes use of distinctive user dialogue boxes to communicate a scientific description of the initial conditions of the group choice being initiated by an individual or group. This information is processed to select the voting system or systems that facilitate the achievement of organizational or individual objectives. Second, the system employs a series of novel data processing methods to determine collective choice results throughout a collective choice process to identify differences and to communicate to initiator(s) and participants result data generated by the system to guide them in achieving one or more predetermined objectives. And third, novel rule-based artificial intelligence techniques are employed to provide quantitative and verbal analyses to user about how to weight votes and how to interpret a consensus that is not based on complete information about voter preferences or judgements.