Two types of thresholds exist.
- Type One
- Values below the threshold are good, and values above the threshold are bad.
- Type Two
- Values above the threshold are good, and values below the threshold are bad.
Is there a good word to describe the orientation or direction of a threshold? The best I have been able to come up with is "lower is better" for Type One, and "higher is better" for Type Two.
Some definitions imply that a threshold is something to be exceeded. Others definitions describe it only as a point to be crossed. What I want to describe is the direction to be crossed. I'm also open to suggestions for a word other than threshold, for those who think that threshold is a poor word choice to describe something that can be bidirectional.
Used in a Program
public class Threshold
{
public static int thresholdValue;
private boolean higherIsBetter; // Is there a more concise name for this?
public static setThreshold
public boolean crossesThreshold(int value)
{
if (higherIsBetter)
return value > thresholdValue;
else
return value < thresholdValue;
}
}
Bidirectional Examples
If the success rate dips below 80%, you will have to redo the task.
If the failure rate exceeds 20%, you will not receive payment.