A career choice problem: An example of how to use MACBETH to build a quantitative value model based on qualitative value judgments

Abstract

MACBETH (measuring attractiveness by a categorical based evaluation technique) is an approach designed to build a quantitative model of values, developed in a way that enables facilitators to avoid forcing decision makers to produce direct numerical representations of their preferences. MACBETH employs a non-numerical interactive questioning procedure that compares two stimuli at a time, requesting only a qualitative judgment about their difference of attractiveness. As the answers are given, their consistency is verified, and a numerical scale that is representative of the decision maker’s judgments is subsequently generated and discussed. This paper makes use of the MACBETH approach and software to help an individual select his future career from a number of self-imposed possibilities. A comparison is made with the direct numerical technique SMART, previously used with the same intent.