The selection of judges for preference testing

A scheme for choosing a few individuals whose preferences for given objects are most representative of those of a larger group of individuals is proposed. The method involves (a) quantifying the preferences of each individual so as to discriminate optimally among objects, (b) testing statistically whether or not a common preference continuum may be assumed for the quantified preferences, (c) constructing a linear estimator of values for the objects on this continuum, if it may be assumed, and (d) selecting as judges the least number of individuals whose quantified preferences, when used with this estimator, determine values for the objects with acceptable accuracy. A numerical example based on food preferences is presented. Preparation of this paper has been supported in part by the Quartermaster Food and Container Institute for the Armed Forces. Views or conclusions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or indorsement of the Department of Defense.