Some key terminology

In the real world the terms accuracy and precision are used interchangeably. In physics, they each have specific
meanings to do with the quality of the measurements that we are taking.
Accuracy – Accurate readings are measurements which are close to the true value
Precision – Precise readings are measurements which all have very similar values when the measurement is repeated.

The diagram above gives a useful analogy to explain these concepts. Imagine that the bullseye of the target is the true
value of the variable you are measuring, whilst the bullet holes represent the values of each of your repeat measurements.
For example:
- If you take multiple measurements each of different values, none of which is near the true value, your result in
both imprecise and inaccurate.
- If you take multiple measurements each of different value, but all of which are quite close to the true value,
your results are imprecise but accurate.
- If you take multiple measurements, all of a similar value, but this value is some way off the true value, then
your results are precise but inaccurate.
- If you take multiple readings, each of a similar value, and each close to the true value, then your results are
both precise and accurate.

Properties of instruments and readings

There are three main properties that you may wish to talk about when taking readings during an experiment:

 The resolution of the instrument:

This is the smallest detectable change in the input value – for example 1 mm on a standard ruler.

 The sensitivity of meter:

This is the ratio of output to input in a meter – for example the change in p.d. across a thermistor when the
temperature chages by 1 oC.

 The stability (repeatability or reproduceability) of a reading.

This is the extent to which repeated measurements give the same result, including gradual changes with time.
Types of error

All experimental uncertainty is due to either random errors or systematic errors.

Random errors are statistical fluctuations (in either direction) in the measured data due to the precision limitations of
the measurement device. Random errors usually result from the experimenter's inability to take the same measurement
in exactly the same way to get exact the same number.

Systematic errors, by contrast, are reproducible inaccuracies that are consistently in the same direction. Systematic
errors are often due to a problem which persists throughout the entire experiment.

Note that systematic and random errors refer to problems associated with making measurements. Mistakes made in the
calculations or in reading the instrument are not considered in error analysis. It is assumed that the experimenters are
careful and competent!

How to minimize experimental error: some examples

Type of Error Example How to minimize it

Take more data. Random errors can be

You measure the mass of a ring three times
evaluated through statistical analysis and can
Random errors using the same balance and get slightly
be reduced by averaging over a large number
different values: 17.46 g, 17.42 g, 17.44 g
of observations.

Systematic errors are difficult to detect and

The tape measure that you use to measure the
length of an object had been stretched out from
years of use. (As a result, all of your length
measurements were too small.)
Systematic errors
The electronic scale you use reads 0.05 g too
high for all your mass measurements (because
it is improperly tared throughout your
experiment).
cannot be analysed statistically, because all of
the data is off in the same direction (either too
high or too low). Spotting and correcting for
systematic error takes a lot of care.
 How would you compensate for the
incorrect results of using the stretched
out tape measure?
 How would you correct the
measurements from improperly tared
(zeroed) scale?