Integrating Cognitive Mapping Analysis into Multi-Criteria Decision Aiding

Multi-criteria decision aiding (MCDA) is a process implying two distinctive actors (the client and the analyst) which aims at providing transparent and coherent support for complex decision situations, taking into account values of decision makers involved in a specific decision context. The theoretical framework of MCDA traditionally addresses problems involving a single decision maker. However, MCDA ought to investigate the case where the decision maker is made up of groups of individuals with conflicting interests. In contrast, cognitive mapping (CM) is frequently used in order to capture the values in a group of individuals and to reduce the antagonism between such values. Its ability to capture multiple values and reduce their conflicting aspects provides a rationale for decision problem analysis with multiple stakeholders. Nevertheless, capturing values by CM is not always intended for a subsequent multi-criteria analysis. This paper explores the integration of both techniques combining their respective strengths as well as their application in assessment of hydrogen technologies scenarios in terms of their perception and social acceptability by the general public.