Empirical scaling of common verbal phrases associated with numerical probabilities

Abstract

One hundred eighty-eight Ss gave numerical probability estimates for each of 41 probability-related words and phrases. While the responses were reasonably consistent, asymmetry between mirror-image phrases, e.g., quite likely (.79) and quite unlikely (.11), were found. Thus verbal labels on numerical probability response scales may not be practicable. © 1967, Psychonomic Press. All rights reserved.