Attribute
Attributes are variables that occur in multi-attribute models. They are organized into a hierarchical structure called tree of attributes. According to their position in the tree, the attributes are either:
basic attributes: terminal nodes (“leaves”) of the tree, or
aggregate attributes: internal nodes in the tree.
Basic attributes represent inputs of the multi-attribute model. Options are described by the values of basic attributes.
Aggregate attributes represent option evaluations. They include are the one or more roots of the tree, which represent the overall evaluation of options.
In DEXi, each attribute is defined by its:
Name: main identification of the attribute, which is typically a short string used in printouts, table headings, etc.;
Description: usually a longer string providing further documentation about the attribute;
Aggregate attributes also have a utility function.
See also
Description of linked attributes.
Attributes for Car Evaluation.