Signalværdi

Signalværdi, or signal value, is a notion used across disciplines to describe how informative or meaningful a signal is as a source of information about the state or quality of a system or actor. It concerns how clearly a signal differentiates among possibilities, how observers interpret it, and how costly or easy it is to produce. The term is context-dependent and can apply to technical, biological, social, and economic settings.

In signaling theory, the value of a signal depends on its credibility and cost. Signals that are expensive or difficult to imitate tend to be more reliable indicators of underlying traits. For example, in biology a costly display, such as elaborate plumage, can signal genetic fitness; in economics, education or work experience can serve as signals of ability to potential employers. In marketing and consumer behavior, signals like brand reputation, warranties, or price can convey product quality and reduce information asymmetry between sellers and buyers.

Quantitative assessments of signal value often use information-theoretic measures, such as mutual information, or outcomes-based approaches that examine how signals improve decision accuracy. Limitations include noise, strategic signaling, and environmental changes that can alter a signal’s interpretability. Overall, signalværdi captures the usefulness and credibility of signals as communicative or informational tools within a given system.