Evaluating the Consistency Indices of Pairwise Comparisons Based on Fuzzy Evaluations

Abstract

Consistency studies are an important step in making correct evaluations in the decision-making process. Consistency is a measure value that reflects whether pairwise comparison operations are done correctly. Evaluation tools used by decision makers in pairwise comparison evaluations are of great importance in achieving consistency. Crisp scales restrict decision makers’ ability to make pairwise evaluations and also remain incapable to reflect their opinions. Fuzzy scales, which give decision makers the opportunity to make a more comfortable assessment, are used as an important tool in reflecting pairwise comparisons more accurately. The success of commonly used fuzzy evaluation scales in pairwise comparison is examined in the study. Fuzzy and crisp evaluation scales are compared using different inconsistency indices, and the most appropriate scale for pairwise comparisons is determined. The study attempts to demonstrate the help of fuzzy judgements in expressing uncertainties for pairwise comparisons. The results show that the use of fuzzy terms based on linguistic expressions in the decision-making process allows decision-makers to make a more comfortable and easy evaluation. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.