The applicability of Bayesian belief networks for measuring user preferences: some numerical simulations

Bayesian belief networks offer an alternative to conventional estimation methods in estimating user preference or utility functions. Because parameter estimates are updated sequentially, this approach seems very promising in user-centred design and data collection systems. The application of such networks however poses several questions, related to speed of learning, sample heterogeneity and discretionalisation of the parameter space. This paper reports the results of a series of numerical simulations which were conducted to gain more insights into these operational decisions.