Expert elicitation : using the classical model to validate experts' judgments

Colson, Abigail R. and Cooke, Roger M. (2018) Expert elicitation : using the classical model to validate experts' judgments. Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, 12 (1). 113–132. ISSN 1750-6824 (https://doi.org/10.1093/reep/rex022)

[thumbnail of Colson-Cooke-REEP-2018-Expert-elicitation-using-the-classical-model-to-validate-experts-judgments]
Preview
 Text. Filename: Colson_Cooke_REEP_2018_Expert_elicitation_using_the_classical_model_to_validate_experts_judgments.pdf
Final Published Version
License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 logo
Download (443kB)| Preview

Abstract

The inclusion of expert judgments along with other forms of data in science, engineering, and decision making is inevitable. Expert elicitation refers to formal procedures for obtaining and combining expert judgments. Expert elicitation is required when existing data and models cannot provide needed information. This makes validating expert judgements a challenge because they are used when other data do not exist, and thus measuring their accuracy is difficult. This article examines the Classical Model of structured expert judgment, which is an elicitation method that includes validation of the experts' assessments against empirical data. In the Classical Model, experts assess both the unknown target questions and a set of calibration questions, which are items from the experts’ field that have observed true values. The Classical Model scores experts on their performance in assessing the calibration questions and then produces performance-weighted combinations of the experts. From 2006 through March 2015, the Classical Model has been used in thirty-three unique applications. Less than one-third of the individual experts in these studies were statistically accurate, highlighting the need for validation. Overall, the performance-based combination of experts produced in the Classical Model is more statistically accurate and more informative than an equal weighting of experts.

  • Item type:Article
    ID code:62172
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    28 February 2018
    Published
    2 February 2018
    Published Online
    23 October 2017
    Accepted
    Notes:This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, following peer review. The version of record Colson, A. R., & Cooke, R. M. (2018). Expert elicitation: using the classical model to validate experts' judgments. Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, 12(1), 113–132. is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1093/reep/rex022.
    Subjects:Social Sciences > Industries. Land use. Labor > Risk Management
    Department:Strathclyde Business School > Management Science
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:30 Oct 2017 10:06
    Last modified:27 Apr 2024 13:23
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/62172
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)