Uncertainties in ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) Curves Derived from Counting Data

Abstract: The ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve is a widely used device for assessing decision-making systems. It seems surprising, in view of its history dating back to World War Two, that the assignment of uncertainties to a ROC curve is apparently not settled. This note returns to the question, focusing on the application of ROC curves to the analysis of data from counting experiments and taking a practical operational approach to the concept of uncertainty.