Verbal probability phrases are often used in science communication to express estimated risks in words instead of numbers. In this study we look at how laypeople and statisticians interpret Dutch probability phrases that are regularly used in news articles. We found that there is a large variability in interpretations, even if the phrases are given in a neutral context. Also, statisticians do not agree on the interpretation of the phrases. We conclude that science communicators should be careful in using verbal probability expressions.
Date of publication
Apr 06, 2020
Category:
Article
Variability in the interpretation of probability phrases used in Dutch news articles — a risk for miscommunication
by
Sanne Willems
,
Casper Albers
,
Ionica Smeets