What is the difference between deterministic and probabilistic assessment method?

Deterministic methods use known, fixed inputs to produce certain outcomes - for example, a specific vulnerability with a defined, absolute impact value. Probabilistic methods instead use statistical likelihoods and probability distributions rather than known facts, producing a range of possible outcomes with associated likelihoods rather than a single certain result.

This reverses the definitions - probabilistic methods do not rely on known facts beforehand; they use statistical estimates and probability ranges, while deterministic methods use established known values.

Probabilistic methods do not have an absolute nature - they are inherently grounded in uncertainty, expressing outcomes as ranges and likelihoods rather than fixed absolute values.

The deterministic method has an absolute nature because it relies on fixed, verifiable facts and produces a single definite output, which directly complements option A and together these two statements accurately describe the core distinction between both assessment approaches.