Which type of assessment uses descriptive categories to evaluate risk?

The type of assessment that uses descriptive categories to evaluate risk is a qualitative assessment. This methodology focuses on understanding the characteristics and implications of potential risks rather than relying solely on numerical data.

Qualitative assessments typically involve the use of words and descriptions to convey the likelihood and impacts of various hazards and risks, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of situations where quantitative data may be scarce or difficult to obtain. They're often used in early stages of risk evaluation, providing a basis for further analysis or decision-making.

In contrast, quantitative assessments rely on numerical values, statistical models, and measurable data to evaluate risks, which may not provide the rich context that qualitative assessments offer. Comparative assessments focus on analyzing and comparing risks across different scenarios or benchmarks, while heuristic assessments use rules of thumb or experience-based techniques to make judgments about risks. Each of these has its own specific application, but when it comes to descriptive categories, qualitative assessment is the one that fits that description.