"Tensor Analysis of Matrix Cognition during Medical Decision-Making."

John H. Frenster, Physicians' Educational Series, Atherton, CA 94027-5446.

Matrix cognition is a microcomputer technique for weighting choices during complex decisions (Clin. Res. vol. 40, 647A(1992). The eigenvectors of values obtained during matrix cognition of diverse medical decisions were analyzed by microcomputer tensor methods for ranks 3 and 4 tensors. The domains of decisions included: prediction of disease; prevention of disease; diagnosis of disease; staging of disease; therapy of the patient; rehabilitation of the patient; health status of the patient; counseling of the patient; advocacy for the patient; and financing for the patient. Tensors were determined quantitatively and portrayed graphically in time and range. Rank 3 tensors clearly revealed the effects of time during matrix cognition, especially during time-pressure to reach a decision in therapy and counseling. By contrast, rank 4 tensors revealed significant effects of range selection and overlap among the decision domains. These tensor effects may reflect discrete styles of medical decision-making. It is concluded that common and diverse domains of medical decision-making can be analyzed by tensor methods, and that the tensors so revealed may be characteristic of discrete styles of decision-making.

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