Which of the following statements most accurately describes the relative "risk" of getting a sliver in your finger versus a volcanic eruption in the Pacific Northwest?
A)The relative "risk" is difficult to assess because,even though getting the sliver is much more likely,the volcanic eruption would be much more severe.
B)Getting a sliver in your finger is much more likely and so has the higher risk.
C)A volcanic eruption in the Pacific Northwest is much more likely and so has the higher risk.
D)The relative risk is roughly equal because both events are roughly equally likely,and both would be roughly equally severe.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relative "risk" of these two events incorporates both the likelihood of the event happening and the severity of its consequences. Getting a sliver is a common, minor event, whereas a volcanic eruption in the Pacific Northwest, while much less likely, would have severe consequences. This makes a direct comparison challenging, as the two factors of likelihood and severity need to be balanced.

Which of the Following Statements Most Accurately Describes the Relative