Dynamic Reference Point-Oriented Consensus Mechanism in Linguistic Distribution Group Decision Making Restricted by Quantum Integration of Information

Group Decis Negot. 2022;31(2):491-528. doi: 10.1007/s10726-022-09775-0. Epub 2022 Feb 24.

Abstract

We present a consensus improvement mechanism based on prospect theory and quantum probability theory (QPT) that enables the manifestation of irrational and uncertain behaviors of decision makers (DMs) in linguistic distribution group decision making. In this framework, the DMs pursue the possibility of working with different partial agreements on prospect values. Considering that the reference information should be comprehensive and accurate as it guides information modification and affects consensus efficiency, objective and subjective information is integrated to obtain the information. Several studies have verified that the interference effect will occur when the brain beliefs flow towards the different decision classification paths. To address this problem, QPT is introduced into the information integration and the optimized value of the interference term can be acquired by the designed multi-objective programming model based on the maximum individual utility. Finally, as the reference point changes during the preference adjustment process, a dynamic reference point-oriented consensus model is constructed to obtain the optimized modification. A case study is performed on the emergency plan for the selection of designated hospitals, and comparative analyses are performed to demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of the proposed model. Several important insights are offered to simulate the most likely possibility of consciousness flowing into different decision classifications for DMs and moderators.

Keywords: Goal programming model; Group decision and negotiation; Linguistic distribution assessment; Prospect theory; Quantum probability theory; Reference point rules.