Pairwise comparison voting
The pairwise comparison, also known as pair comparison analysis, or pair comparison method, is a technique for prioritizing and evaluating options. In this method, options are compared pairwise to determine which one is preferred. In the end, we obtain a ranking of the options.
PollUnit now allows you to create an online pairwise comparison. Options that compete in pairs can include free-text or images.
To generate the ranking, we use the ELO rating. The ELO rating is a metric used to assess the skill level of participants. Originally developed for chess players, it assigns points based on their results against stronger or weaker opponents.
The advantage of this system is that not every voter needs to compare all options. PollUnit allows you to configure the number of voting rounds per participant. Thus, for each participant, several pairs of options are randomly drawn. In each pair, the voter can choose their favorite. PollUnit then creates a relative ranking of all options.
Pairwise comparison is a powerful tool to effectively evaluate and prioritize situations with many options or images, such as selecting photos for websites, photo contests, social media, or in scientific studies. It reduces subjective influence, increases efficiency, and provides a structured method for decision-making.
Random allocation of pairs also makes fraud more difficult. Voters do not know in advance which pairs they will evaluate. This makes it harder for cheaters to focus on specific pairs they want to manipulate.
Published at: 2023-10-26 08:15 AM