Useful exam terms

Question 1

Accuracy

Answer 1

The measure of the closeness of agreement between an individual test result and the true value.

Question 2

Anomaly

Answer 2

A value in a set of results that is judged not to be part of the inherent variation.

Question 3

Confidence

Answer 3

Qualitative judgement expressing the extent to which a conclusion is justified by the quality of the evidence.

Question 4

Error

Answer 4

Difference between an individual measurement and the true value of the quantity being measured.

Question 5

Precision

Answer 5

Closeness of agreement between independent measurements obtained under the same conditions.

Question 6

Repeatability

Answer 6

Precision obtained when measurement results are produced over a short timescale by one person using the same equipment in the same place.

Question 7

Reproducibility

Answer 7

Precision obtained when measurement results are produced over a wider timescale by different people using equivalent equipment in different places.

Question 8

Resolution

Answer 8

Smallest change in quantity being measured that can be detected by an instrument.

Question 9

Uncertainty

Answer 9

An estimate attached to a measurement which characterises the range of values within which the true value is asserted to lie.