Multi-attribute utility theory

Acronym
MAUT

Alternate name(s)
Multiple-Attribute Utility Theory

Main dependent construct(s)/factor(s)
mathematical model

Main independent construct(s)/factor(s)
a set of attributes with upper and lower bounds

designer preferences and tradeoffs, typically expressed as probabilistic outcomes

Concise description of theory
a family of methods for conducting decision analysis in complex problems

Originating author(s)
Keeney, R.L. and Raiffa, H. Decisions with Multiple Objectives: Preferences and Value Tradeoffs. New York, New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Seminal articles
Chatterjee, S., & Heath, T. B. (1996). Conflict and loss aversion in multiattribute choice: The effects of trade-off size and reference dependence on decision difficulty. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 67(2), 144-155. Dyer, J. S., Fishburn, P. C., Steuer, R. E., Wallenius, J., & Zionts, S. (1992). Multiple Criteria Decision Making, Multiattribute Utility Theory. Management Science, 38(5). Fischer, G. W., Carmon, Z., Ariely, D., & Zauberman, G. (1999). Goal-based construction of preferences: Task goals and the prominence effect. Management Science, 45(8), 1057-1075. Häubl, G., & Trifts, V. (2000). Consumer Decision Making in Online Shopping Environments: The Effects of Interactive Decision Aids. Marketing Science, 19(1), 4-21.

Originating area
Decision Theory, Engineering

Level of analysis
individual

IS articles that use the theory
Kamis, A. (2006). Search Strategies in Shopping Engines: An Experimental Investigation. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 11(1), 63-84. Umanath, N. S., & Vessey, I. (1994). Multiattribute data presentation and human judgment: A cognitive fit perspective. Decision Sciences, 25(5,6), 795-824. Zigurs, I., & Buckland, B. (1998). A theory of task/technology fit and group support systems effectiveness. MIS Quarterly, 22(3), 313-334.

Links from this theory to other theories
Prospect theory Behavioral decision theory

Original Contributor(s)
Arnold Kamis Please feel free to make modifications to this site. In order to do so, you must register. Return to Theories Used in IS Research