Accuracy and Precision
Accuracy
Accuracy is how close a measured value is to the actual (true) value.
Precision
Precision is how close the measured values are to each other.
Examples of Precision and Accuracy:
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Low Accuracy High Precision |
High Accuracy Low Precision |
High Accuracy High Precision |
So, if you are playing soccer and you always hit the left goal post instead of scoring, then you are not accurate, but you are precise!
Bias (don't let precision fool you!)
If you measure something several times and all values are close, they may all be wrong if there is a "Bias"
Bias is a systematic (built-in) error which makes all measurements wrong by a certain amount.
Examples of Bias
- The scales read "1 kg" when there is nothing on them
- You always measure your height wearing shoes with thick soles.
- A stopwatch that takes half a second to stop when clicked
Degree of Accuracy
Accuracy depends on the instrument you are measuring with. But as a general rule:
The degree of accuracy is half a unit each side of the unit of measure
Examples:
| If your instrument measures in "1"s then any value between 6½ and 7½ is measured as "7" |
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| If your instrument measures in "2"s then any value between 7 and 9 is measured as "8" |
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