Application of fuzzy set theory to paired comparison judgments

Abstract

An application of fuzzy set theory, exploring subjective paired comparison judgments of auditory intelligibility, was investigated. Three response matrices were constructed, one based on fuzzy set theory, one on classical set theory, and one based on random responses to the stimuli. The results demonstrated that the model based on fuzzy set theory best fit the obtained data. Although the binary nature of paired comparison judgments leads to the reasonable assumption that the internal representation of stimuli should be crisp, the data demonstrated that the stimuli were represented in a fuzzy manner.