Calculating Magnitude for Each Specific Harm
For each specific harm, the framework user reviews each harm magnitude factor, assigning a score using rank order categories or using a Likert scale.[1]
For the Likert scale option, the framework user would then calculate an overall magnitude for each harm by:
- Calculating a proportional severity score,
- Calculating a proportional likelihood score, and
- Multiplying these two scores together.
The user can then use this magnitude to identify specific aspects of the system that create harm above a specific threshold and might require regulation, provide good awareness for areas which might necessitate risk reduction or mitigation, and use it as a numerical basis of comparison for corresponding benefits of the system.
Calculating Magnitude for Each Specific Benefit
For each specific benefit, the framework user reviews each benefit magnitude factor, assigning a score using rank order categories or using a Likert scale.[2]
For the Likert scale option, the framework user would then calculate an overall magnitude for each benefit by:
- Calculating a proportional impact score,
- Calculating a proportional likelihood score, and
- Multiplying these two scores together.
These benefit magnitudes can then be used to compare to corresponding harms of the system, and identify aspects of the system that could help allow or incentivize development.
Calculating magnitudes for harm/benefit categories:
Under the Likert scale approach, one way to calculate aggregate magnitudes for each harm/benefit category is to average together all the specific harm/benefit magnitudes belonging to that category; thus, arriving at a maximum of 10 magnitudes for harm categories and 10 magnitudes for benefit categories.
For example, calculation of the aggregate magnitude for the physical injury category would include the following:
where PI = the physical injury category.
Similarly, calculation of the aggregate magnitude for the physical health category would include the following:
where PH = the physical health category.
Alternatively, the framework user can apply a weighted sum or weighted average of the harm or benefit magnitudes to obtain the aggregate magnitudes for a more accurate reflection of the level of harm or benefit imparted by each category. This would allow for flexibility in the harm/benefit analysis, and better reflect differing sector priorities.
[1] See assessment and weighting guidance for each harm category in Appendix 1.
[2] See assessment and weighting guidance for each benefit category in Appendix 1.