English

Problems with Risk Matrices Using Ordinal Scales

Risk Management 2021-03-10 v1

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss various problems in the usage and definition of risk matrices. We give an overview of the general process of risk assessment with risk matrices and ordinal scales. Furthermore, we explain the fallacies in each phase of this process and give hints on which decisions may lead to more problems than others and how to avoid them. Among those 24 discussed problems are ordinal scales, semi-quantitative arithmetics, range compression, risk inversion, ambiguity, and neglection of uncertainty. Finally, we make a case for avoiding risk matrices altogether and instead propose using fully quantitative risk assessment methods.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2103.05440,
  title  = {Problems with Risk Matrices Using Ordinal Scales},
  author = {Michael Krisper},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2103.05440},
  year   = {2021}
}

Comments

11 pages, 9 figures

R2 v1 2026-06-23T23:55:09.729Z