Table 1

Dilemma associated with Type I and Type II Errors


Procedure is Beneficial
Procedure is Harmful

New procedure approved
Correct Decision
Type 1 Error: Allowing a harmful procedure. Victims are identifiable and traceable. Error is self-correcting
New procedure disapproved
Type 2 Error: Disallowing a beneficial procedure. Victims are not identifiable. Error is not self-correcting
Correct Decision

O'Malley Australia and New Zealand Health Policy 2006 3:3   doi:10.1186/1743-8462-3-3