Qualitative Structural Theory: A Basis for Decision-Making

Abstract The development of analyses of qualitative data that reveal their underlying structure, using the facet framework, are reviewed in the present article. These provide the basis for a general theory of the inherent structure of most qualitative data, an aspect that other approaches typically only allow for with quantitative data. This broadens the application of Facet Theory beyond its usual remit with quantitative measures. It also provides a conceptual model, or “theory,” that combines ordered (modulating) and non-ordered (radial) facets for many different contexts. Results from “qualitative structural theory” (QST) are shown to be open to interpretation as a form of Narrative Action System. Although the power of QST has been illustrated in many areas, in this article three contrasting areas of application are discussed, which each uses a different form of non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS). One is the exploration of variation in the actions of arsonists revealed through Smallest Space Analysis (SSA). A second is the modeling of consumer choice of chocolates using Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis (MSA). The third is the differentiation of genuine and false claims of rape using Partial Order Scalogram Analysis by Co-ordinates (POSAC). The practical implications of these QST models to assist decision making are briefly discussed.