Journal of Algorithms and Computation
Open Access

Determining Triangular Fuzzy Number Bounds Using Bootstrap Confidence Intervals: An Algorithmic Framework for Fuzzy DEMATEL

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Seyed Mohsen Mohammadi
Reza Etesami
Mohsen Madadi

Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22059/jac.2026.417624.1264
Abstract
Triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) are widely used in MCDM problems with linguistic expert judgments. A key challenge is determining appropriate upper and lower bounds, especially with few experts, as symmetric scales often yield near‑crisp values and biased results. This paper proposes a bootstrap‑based method to estimate TFN boundaries using confidence intervals from expert evaluations, enabling data‑driven, statistically grounded fuzzy triangles that better reflect uncertainty. The method is integrated into fuzzy DEMATEL. Simulations show it discriminates causal relationships more clearly than classical fuzzy DEMATEL. An empirical case study on inflation determinants confirms that the bootstrap‑based model produces results more consistent with economic behavior and expert expectations, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving the reliability of TFN‑based decision‑making.

Keywords

Triangular fuzzy numbers
Bootstrap confidence interval
Multi-criteria decision making
DEMATEL
Expert judgment
Journal of Algorithms and Computation
Volume 58, Issue 1
July 2026
Pages 112-130

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