Sequential choice is not problematic, as experience shows. We give an example where there are four to choose between, for example in a chairman election. The custom is that the voter makes a cross for one of them. Suppose a sequential choice is arranged with the four alternatives A, B, C and D. Then, the voter can rank them all or choose the one he prefers without differentiating between the others, or rank the one he prefers and the one he dislikes most without differentiating between the others. In the table below it is shown how the 4 voters ranked.
|
|
John |
Anne |
Abe |
Mary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
B |
4 |
1 |
|
|
|
C |
2 |
|
4 |
|
|
D |
3 |
2 |
|
|
The rules for calculation are the same as in a chess tournament where everybody plays against everybody. The alternatives are compared in pairs where every victory gives a point.
We look at the points John gains, cfr. the table above.
A 3 points, because A wins B, C and D.
C 2 points, because C wins B and D.
D 1 point, because D wins B.
B does not give any point because it was ranked the last.
|
|
John |
Anne |
Abe |
Mary |
In sum |
|
A |
3 |
0,5 |
3 |
3 |
9,5 |
|
B |
0 |
3 |
1,5 |
1 |
5,5 |
|
C |
2 |
0,5 |
0 |
1 |
3,5 |
|
D |
1 |
2 |
1,5 |
1 |
5,5 |