Opinion Rating Scale

Opinion Rating Scale

2017-07-04 12:11:53-0400

Opinion rating scale: -2 to +2

This scale is useful when trying to decide on a course of action where people disagree on certain points. It is not really any different than the scale used by sociology questionnaires, but I find the definitions I use more clear and suitable for taking action.

Note: the scale is not cumulative. You can’t add it up as a voting mechanism. If you were going to do that, think of the number more like an exponent.

For example, The Wife and I often disagree on the best course of action. The moment we have a disagreement on the correct course of action, we call out our ratings on various pros and cons.

If I am for an action, but not strongly (+1), and she is against the same action, vehemently (-2), we can stop discussing or debating the matter instantly; and proceed with her choice. If we are -2/+2, we need to discuss the point more.

This allows people to voice dissent, while not having the vehement party waste time trying to convince the non-vehement party… just move on to clearing up the vehement disagreements. Also, this prevents argument when one individual does not support the action as vehemently as the other: there is no point arguing with someone that agrees with you.


Brad Hughes - 2017-07-04 14:27:41-0400

You need another tier to represent the real world.  A `3+/-`  for:  I know
I am right and will not listen to reason.  :)

Plaid Sheep - 2017-07-04 15:38:21-0400

+Brad Hughes I was trying to keep it simple. Originally, `2` was
designated, "I will die before I change my mind".

Then I thought... one should never admit to that. ;)

EDIT: Basically, I was being polite when I used the word "vehemently"

Brad Hughes - 2017-07-04 15:45:28-0400

`2` as in your example is for somone who feels strongly but is at least
listening,  I went into a meeting last week and I was a `+2` on the topic.
I had no intention of changing my mind.  By the end of the meeting I was
converted via resoned argument and I switched sides.  But if somone shuts
down and refuses to listen to any argument then my thinking is that you
should to represent that in your matrix.

I have no idea what you are using this for but I can imagine a few use
cases for a `3` level.

When I am anwering a question about something with a multiple choice which
has no good answer I hate to fill it in with an incorrect answer.

Plaid Sheep - 2017-07-04 15:52:40-0400

*Brad Hughes* I agree that another level would be useful.

With people who know the matrix, I've expressed it as `+10` before (to
express that the person we are talking about is off the chart).

Perhaps `3` is defined as a "emotional/not even rational" level. I've
used this as a self-reporting mechanism, and I would expect that nobody
would ever confess to this, but it may be useful from an impartial
observer's point of view.

Brad Hughes - 2017-07-04 16:02:29-0400

if we assume each level is an exponential increase a `3` would handle the
irrational actors.

I don't know how you would define the wording for a `3`.  It's an extreme
hate/rage over something or obsessive compulsive level of devotion to
something. In either case as you said unrational might be the word... some
people are irrationally afriad of spiders/water/planes, etc.

irrational/unquestioning/blind opposition or agreement

And yeah, who would say that? My hatred of what ever I hate is completely
rational. :)

It's been very nice having this chat with you. I place it at a `+1`. :)

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