The "Turkey" problem (Re: [EM] 2-rank and N-rank Condorcet)

[josh at narins.net]

On Sun, May 04, 2003 at 03:07:33PM -0700, Rob Lanphier wrote:
> Very interesting.  I guess my criticism was based on not fully 
> understanding N-rank Condorcet myself.  I've gone back and read the 
> discussion, and I'm much more intrigued.
> 
> Rather than having a formula to determine the number of ranks, my sense 
> is that N should be chosen based on what people are used to.  I'd 
> recommend N=5, if only because it lends itself to this familiar format:
> 
>       Strongly                    Strongly
>       disapprove     Neutral       approve
> Joan   (1)     (2)      (3)     (4)     (5)
> Jane   (1)     (2)      (3)     (4)     (5)
> Jack   (1)     (2)      (3)     (4)     (5)

The Social Sciences have repeatedly held that people most prefer 7.

Agree strongly
Agree
Agree weakly
Neutral
Disagree weakly
Disagree
Disagree strongly


I read it again just recently, somewhere.