A model for ordered metric scaling by comparison of intervals

This paper presents a model of individual choice behavior for application to experimental situations in which a subject is required to compare utility intervals (differences in subjective value). This model is contrasted with a weaker model, which is also derived. Both models generate ordered metric scales, but differ in predictive power. An experiment on the utility of grades, which provides a test and comparison of the models, is presented.This research was supported in part by Group Psychology Branch, Office of Naval Research, under Contract Nonr 225(17), with Stanford University, and in part by U. S. Public Health Service grant M-2046.The author wishes to express his indebtedness to E. W. Adams, University of California, whose constructive criticism did much to improve the quality of this work.