Consensus measurement in multi-participant conversations

Pask's conversation theory is applied to a multi-participant (Internet) com munity striving for optimal mutual understanding and agreement. A system, " BetVote", to computer-assist participants in such a process is described, a s is its application in psychological and educational assessment and testin g. The construction of relevant questions and answers for such a system is discussed, as is the reward structure to make the Participants junction hon estly and realistically. BetVote is proposed as the best system also for op inion polling and arguments are given in support of this proposal. Applicat ions to (group) decision making are discussed.