In identification processes, which terms describe misidentification rates?

• A. Over-identification only
• B. Under-identification only
• C. Both over- and under-identification
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

Misidentification rates in identification processes come from errors that can go in two directions: over-identification and under-identification. Over-identification happens when someone is labeled as identified who shouldn’t be (a false positive). Under-identification happens when someone who actually should be identified is missed (a false negative). Because identification errors can occur in both directions, the rate describing misidentification should encompass both types. That’s why the best choice is that misidentification rates include both over- and under-identification. Choosing only one direction would overlook the other kind of error, and “none of the above” isn’t accurate since two distinct misidentification errors exist.