False negative的意思

"False negative" is a term used in various contexts, but it typically refers to a situation where a test or assessment incorrectly indicates that a condition does not exist, when it actually does. The term "false" implies that the result is incorrect, and "negative" indicates that the result is negative (i.e., it suggests that there is no presence of the condition being tested for).

Here are some examples of false negatives in different fields:

1. Medical testing: A false negative in a medical test occurs when a patient has a disease or condition, but the test result indicates that they do not. This can be particularly problematic if the condition is serious and goes untreated as a result of the incorrect test result.

2. Security screening: In airport security or other screening processes, a false negative would be when a person who is carrying contraband, weapons, or other prohibited items is not detected by the screening equipment.

3. Psychological assessments: A false negative in a psychological evaluation might occur if a person has a mental health condition but is not diagnosed because the assessment tools or interviews fail to identify the condition.

4. Statistical analysis: In data analysis, a false negative can occur when a significant result is not detected due to a lack of power in the study design or inappropriate statistical methods.

5. Fraud detection: In the context of fraud detection, a false negative is when a fraudulent transaction is not flagged by the detection system, allowing the fraud to go undetected.

False negatives can have serious consequences, as they can lead to missed diagnoses, security breaches, or other issues that could have been avoided with accurate testing or assessment.