A.18:4.2 - Scale order, preference and calculation

For a magnitude comparison, interpret values under the Characteristic and Scale, including the meaning of their order and units. For a judgement about which value is better, state the preference for that use: higher, lower, a target or range, or another declared rule. A nominal Scale supplies labels without an intrinsic order; a receiving use can still express a preference among them. A descriptive measurement needs no preferred direction.

A mathematical relation can combine quantities into another quantity, as a measurement model does in C.16. Identify that relation, its conditions and the Scale of the resulting quantity. A unit conversion expresses the same quantity on another compatible Scale. A ScoringMethod instead supplies a Score for a declared evaluation and follows A.17-R7’s preference rule. For example, multiplying resistance by current gives voltage; ranking designs by cost and reliability requires a choice of preference.

For evaluative comparison or combination across different CSLC templates, the ScoringMethod must declare a bounded output range for its Score.