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Relevance 9/10Prompting and EvaluationIntermediate7 min read
Preference Ranking
Preference ranking compares model outputs and selects the better answer using a rubric.
Why it matters for annotators
These rankings power reward model training and alignment evaluation.
Visual mental model
Prompt -> response A vs B -> rank + rationale.
Examples (bad vs good)
Scenario: Real annotation scenario involving Preference Ranking
Bad: Labeling quickly without applying project rubric.
Good: Applying rubric criteria, documenting rationale, and escalating uncertainty.
Common mistakes
- Skipping guideline details for edge cases.
- Applying inconsistent criteria across similar samples.
- Avoiding escalation even when uncertain.
Submission checklist
- Read the latest guideline update before each batch.
- Apply rubric dimensions explicitly in each decision.
- Escalate ambiguous items with concise rationale.