Computer program product, device, system and method for gathering respondent input

A computer program product for gathering respondent input for determining a ranking of states each characterized by a set of selected levels each associated to an attribute. The interface mechanism provides for inputting selected attribute levels of a respondent state and for ranking of comparable alternative states determined in response to the inputted respondent state, in comparison with that respondent state. The alternative states are each displayed as the set of attributes with the associated set of alternative levels simultaneously and with an input field for inputting a preference indication of the shown alternative state compared with the respondent state. This allows the respondent input to be entered with very few input actions and little switching between screens. Only the selected attribute levels of the respondent state and the rankings and identifications of the determined alternative states need to be transmitted to the central computer.