Modeling of diagnostic examinations reduces the sample size needed to acqui
re statistical power. This paper compares the models of receiver operating
characteristic analysis, channel models of diagnostic examinations, and unc
ertainty measures in modeling mammography examination. The cited models are
applied to screening mammography. The results of the use of these models a
re less data required for achieving chosen levels of statistical power. The
se models are able to manage the large number of variables involved in comp
aring diagnostic examinations. (C) 1999 SPIE and IS&T. [S1017-9909(99)01001
-6].