Clinical Versus Actuarial Judgment

Robyn M. Dawes; David Faust; Paul E. Meehl

doi:10.1126/science.2648573

journal article Mar 31, 1989

Clinical Versus Actuarial Judgment

Robyn M. Dawes David Faust Paul E. Meehl

Science Vol. 243 No. 4899 pp. 1668-1674 · American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

View at Publisher Save 10.1126/science.2648573

Abstract

Professionals are frequently consulted to diagnose and predict human behavior; optimal treatment and planning often hinge on the consultant's judgmental accuracy. The consultant may rely on one of two contrasting approaches to decision-making—the clinical and actuarial methods. Research comparing these two approaches shows the actuarial method to be superior. Factors underlying the greater accuracy of actuarial methods, sources of resistance to the scientific findings, and the benefits of increased reliance on actuarial approaches are discussed.

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References

Details

Published: Mar 31, 1989
Vol/Issue: 243(4899)
Pages: 1668-1674

Authors

Cite This Article

Robyn M. Dawes, David Faust, Paul E. Meehl (1989). Clinical Versus Actuarial Judgment. Science, 243(4899), 1668-1674. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.2648573

Clinical Versus Actuarial Judgment

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