The smoke detector principle

The smoke detector principle describes the difference between different types of errors and their potential ramifications.¹ If the consequences of non-detection of an actual danger are serious, then it is safer to mistakenly identify non-threats even occasionally than it is to ignore an actual threat.¹

Reference:

1. Nesse RM. The smoke detector principle; signal detection and optimal defense regulation. Evol Med Public Health 2018; 2019 (1): 1.