A Taxonomy for Quantification of Norwegian Probability Phrases

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Linguistics
• Risk Communication

Background:

• Effective communication of risk and uncertainty relies on understanding probability phrases.
• Previous research established taxonomies for probability phrase interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interpretation of 22 Norwegian probability phrases.
• To compare Norwegian phrase interpretations with English counterparts.
• To examine the effect of clinical framing on probability perception.

Main Methods:

• An online survey of 537 participants was conducted.
• Participants interpreted 22 Norwegian probability phrases.
• Phrases were presented in isolation and within positive/negative clinical frames.

Main Results:

• Norwegian probability phrases were interpreted similarly to English ones.
• Phrases expected to convey higher probabilities received higher estimates.
• Phrases expected to be less precise had wider interpretation ranges.
• Both positive and negative clinical frames reduced assigned probabilities.

Conclusions:

• A taxonomy for Norwegian probability phrase interpretation is proposed.
• Contextual framing significantly influences probability perception.
• Findings are relevant for accurate risk communication in high-stakes situations.