1. A method of data analysis, employing collaborative filtering, implemented as instructions executed on a processor operatively coupled to memory, the method comprising: receiving an item set containing at least one item of input data; selecting an appropriate measure of association from among known measures of association, the selection is based on the known measures of association and the item set; scoring at least one item of the item set by employing the selected measure of association; selecting at least one additional measure of association based on the item set; scoring at least one item of the item set by employing the at least one additional measure of association; smoothing at least one item of the item set via a selected smoother; and employing at least one multiple-score collaborative filtering evaluation method to obtain a single score for an item when more than one measure of association score applies to that item; wherein the instructions executed on the processor operatively coupled to memory facilitate the receiving, selecting, scoring, smoothing and employing.