A method for performing assisted knowledge discovery includes receiving a dataset. Each of a plurality of analytical techniques is applied to the received data set to generate a plurality of corresponding analytical results. A composite validation metric is applied to each of the plurality of analytical results. The composite validation metric is a single scoring/ranking function that is created from a plurality of different scoring/ranking functions. The plurality of analytical results is presented to a user arranged in accordance with the results of the applying the composite validation metric to each of the plurality of analytical results. A selection from the user from among the plurality of analytical results is recorded. The user's selection is used to modify the composite validation metric such that the analytical techniques responsible for generating the selected analytical result is scored/ranked more highly.