Thinking and Deciding

344 DECISION ANALYSIS AND VALUES
Keeney (1992, ch. 3) lists several methods as a way to discover values:
1. Make a wish list. “If you had no limitations at all, what would your
objectives be.”
2. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of alternative options.
These will usually correspond to objectives.
3. Look for problems and shortcomings of current alternatives. This has
the same effect.
4. Think of consequences. Consider why they might be good, bad,
acceptable, or unacceptable.
5. Look for goals (of the sort that are either achieved or not), constraints,
and guidelines.
6. Consider different perspectives on the problem. What would someone
else think?
7. Think about your own strategic objectives, the long-run fundamental
values for the type of decision at issue.
8. Think of generic objectives, those that anyone would have, not just
you.
9. Structure your objectives. Organize them into means-ends relationships
and into a fundamental objectives hierarchy. The next example
illustrates this process and how it leads to discovery of new objectives.
10. Quantify objectives. Often this will lead to the separation of one objective
into two. For example, “optimizing the speed of driving” might
break down into “minimize driving time” and “maximize safety.”
Here is an example of a combined fundamental-objectives hierarchy and meansends
objectives hierarchy, using the method of Keeney (1992). “Parts” are analyses
of the objectives and “means” are objectives that are means to others.
Objectives of hiring a new faculty member in psychology
1. Increase social good through encouraging good research
Part 1A. Knowledge that leads to new technology
Part 1B. Knowledge that helps people in their lives and work
Means 1C. Get basic knowledge that leads to A and B
Means 1D. Colleagues to help those here and improve their work
Means 1E. Educate future researchers to do all this
Part 1E1. Undergrads
Means 1E1a. Research experience courses
Means 1E1b. Independent research
Means 1E1c. Courses to attract student interest in research