Ordinal ranking and preference strength (Q1085765)

This paper extends the model of \textit{J. G. Kemeny} and \textit{L. J. Snell} [in: Math. Models in the Soc. Sciences, Ginn, New York, 9-23 (1962)] of ordinal ranking to include a preference strength component. This is accomplished by expanding the ranking space to allow for the incorporation of dummy objects in the object listing. A set of axioms is presented, which a distance function on this expanded space should adhere to. Under this set of conditions, the distance function is characterized and shown to be unique. It is also shown that the Kemeny and Snell model is naturally embedded in this general model.