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Denominator hypothesis

Definition

The defence hypothesis under which the LR denominator is calculated. Typically: the questioned sample comes from some other location within the relevant reference population.

Related terms

Between-source variation
The variation observed among samples from different locations in the reference population. Used to estimate the probability of the observed similarity under...
ENFSI verbal scale
A standardised scale for communicating LR values to courts in plain language, ranging from 'limited support' (LR 1-10) through 'moderate,' 'moderately strong,'...
Numerator hypothesis
The prosecution hypothesis under which the LR numerator is calculated. In a source comparison it is typically: the questioned sample and the...
Tippett plot
A calibration diagnostic plot that shows the cumulative distributions of LR values calculated for known same-source pairs and known different-source pairs. Well-calibrated...
Within-source variation
The natural variation observed among multiple samples collected from a single source location. Used to estimate the probability of the observed difference...

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