Abstract
The probabilistic linguistic term set (PLTS) is a newly emerging mathematical tool for handling uncertainties. It is considered a useful extension of linguistic term sets associated with probability information and can improve the effectiveness of multiple attribute decision making (MADM). This paper proposes a new PLTS correlation coefficient and addresses its usefulness in MADM problems. For achieving this aim, some new concepts of mean, variance, and covariance of the PLTS are first proposed. Moreover, a novel PLTS Pearson correlation coefficient is defined to overcome the shortcomings of the existing methods, whose significant feature is that it lies in the interval [−1,1], which makes it more effective in reflecting the negative and positive correlation between PLTSs. A weighted PLTS Pearson correlation coefficient is further defined to consider the importance of attribute weights and expand the scope of application. Then, a relative PLTS closeness coefficient is constructed based on the developed Pearson correlation coefficient, and based on which, a Pearson correlation-based TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) approach for MADM problems is developed. Finally, the effectiveness as well as the applicability of the developed method are illustrated through numerical examples and comparative analysis.
Highlights
The probabilistic linguistic term set (PLTS) [1] is a kind of linguistic term set that can reflect the different importance of all possible evaluation of a particular object
The remainder of this paper is organized as follows: In Section 2, we briefly introduce some basic conceptions of PLTS, the comparison laws of PLTS, and some existing correlation coefficients for PLTSs
To enrich the theory and application of PLTSs, this paper proposed a new correlation coefficient for solving PLTS multiple attribute decision making (MADM)
Summary
The probabilistic linguistic term set (PLTS) [1] is a kind of linguistic term set that can reflect the different importance of all possible evaluation of a particular object. This is a very useful tool in dealing with hesitant fuzzy linguistic multiple attribute decision making (MADM) problems. The PLTS decision making problems have attracted increasing attention from many scholars, and the construction of the theoretical basis and decision-making methods concerning the PLTS have been perfected and enriched. Many scholars extended some classic decision-making methods to PLTS situations, and explored their usefulness in decision making areas [1,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
