Medicine. Communicating statistical information

Science. 2000 Dec 22;290(5500):2261-2. doi: 10.1126/science.290.5500.2261.

Abstract

Most people, experts included, have difficulties understanding and combining statistical information effectively. Hoffrage et al. demonstrate that these difficulties can be considerably reduced by communicating the information in terms of natural frequencies rather than in terms of probabilities. Several applications in medicine, legal decision-making, and education are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA Fingerprinting*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical*
  • Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures*
  • Humans
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Probability*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Statistics as Topic*