Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

A theory of three-way decision (3WD) concerns thinking, problem-solving, and computing in threes. The basic ideas are trisect-and-conquer and effective use of triads (i.e., triadic thinking). We can turn complexity into simplicity by focusing on only three things, balance trade-offs by considering three major factors, and construct a tripartite theory, model, or scheme by identifying three main components. 3WD has fostered new research areas, e.g., three-way clustering, three-way data analytics, three-way conflict analysis, three-way recommendation systems, etc. Researchers worldwide accept and work on 3WD, as evidenced by the many papers, books, journal special issues, special sessions, and workshops. 3WD research can have two purposes: to build principles and tools for humans and to design intelligent machines by using the same principles.  My long-term theory-oriented research objective is to refine, complete, perfect, and promote a multidisciplinary theory of 3WD.  It embraces ideas from different fields and disciplines to build unique notions, concepts, methods, and tools of 3WD. My long-term application-oriented research objective is to investigate the implications and applications of 3WD for intelligent systems.  It concerns a seamless integration of machine and human ways of problem-solving, enhancing the effectiveness and understandability of intelligent systems.  I identify six short-term goals and structure the research issues, methodology, objectives, and anticipated outcomes around three fundamental questions to: 1. Why?  foundations and motivations     1.1 study the basis, biases, and benefits of 3WD,     1.2 develop human-machine co-intelligence based on 3WD. 2. What? theory and methodology     2.1 refine and perfect the TAO (trisecting-acting-outcome) framework of 3WD,     2.2 connect 3WD with other theories. 3. How? practice and applications     3.1 investigate methods for estimating the required parameters,     3.2 apply 3WD and build prototype systems. Solid foundations of 3WD increase its probability of success and acceptance.  Ideas of 3WD are useful for producing human-machine co-intelligence that combines the thinking power of humans and the computing power of machines.  Putting flesh on the bones of the TAO framework gives a full theory of 3WD. By investigating the connections and differences between 3WD and other theories, we can better appreciate and use its principles. Through the lens of 3WD, we can formulate conceptual models for data science, human-machine systems, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), etc.  Estimating and interpreting the required parameters produce practical models.  Based on prototype systems, we can validate claims and theoretical findings.   By working in an environment for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), my team and I have produced encouraging research results that ensure the feasibility of the short-term goals and the success of the long-term objectives.