Research concepts
Accuracy and Precision in Measurement
Accuracy and precision: Do measurements agree with one another and with a suitable reference?
Source editorial review:
Before interpreting the result
Do measurements agree with one another and with a suitable reference?
- Separate dispersion among repeats from deviation against a reference value.
- Record repeatability or intermediate-precision conditions.
- Keep the uncertainty and traceability of the reference used.
Accuracy and precision
Repeatable results do not alone demonstrate closeness to the intended value. A series can be highly consistent while retaining bias. Performance appraisal requires separating dispersion, reference and measurement conditions. Changing operator, day or equipment introduces contexts a single repeated series does not represent.
A reading case: what to check
If a report emphasizes low variation, also examine bias or recovery assessment and the reference used. Do not turn many decimal places into an accuracy guarantee. When comparing laboratories, preserve units, method and uncertainty scope. A discrepancy needs that context before deciding which number better describes the sample.
What to preserve in the record
Tightly grouped results can share a bias. Precision does not replace assessment against a reference or eliminate method uncertainty.
Questions and answers
Do measurements agree with one another and with a suitable reference?
Repeatable results do not alone demonstrate closeness to the intended value. A series can be highly consistent while retaining bias. Performance appraisal requires separating dispersion, reference and measurement conditions. Changing operator, day or equipment introduces contexts a single repeated series does not represent.
What should the review record preserve?
Tightly grouped results can share a bias. Precision does not replace assessment against a reference or eliminate method uncertainty.