In a decision matrix, which feature explains why rankings can change when criteria weights are adjusted?

In a decision matrix, which feature explains why rankings can change when criteria weights are adjusted?

• A. The inclusion of new options
• B. The rounding of numbers
• C. The sensitivity to criteria weights
• D. The duration of analysis

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how the model reacts to weights. A decision matrix combines each option’s performance on multiple criteria by multiplying those performances by the criterion weights and summing the results. When you adjust the weights, you change how much each criterion influences the total score. Options that score well on heavily weighted criteria gain more overall points, while those strong only on lightly weighted criteria lose relative influence. This is why rankings can shift as weights are updated—the outcomes are sensitive to where you place importance. New options, rounding, or the duration of the analysis can affect results in other ways, but they don’t explain the fundamental reason rankings change with weight adjustments. The changing rankings come from the model’s responsiveness to how heavily each criterion is weighted.

The key idea is how the model reacts to weights. A decision matrix combines each option’s performance on multiple criteria by multiplying those performances by the criterion weights and summing the results. When you adjust the weights, you change how much each criterion influences the total score. Options that score well on heavily weighted criteria gain more overall points, while those strong only on lightly weighted criteria lose relative influence. This is why rankings can shift as weights are updated—the outcomes are sensitive to where you place importance.

New options, rounding, or the duration of the analysis can affect results in other ways, but they don’t explain the fundamental reason rankings change with weight adjustments. The changing rankings come from the model’s responsiveness to how heavily each criterion is weighted.