Precision and accuracy: are they the same thing?
If you've ever been in a laboratory or used measuring instruments, you've probably heard about precision and accuracy. Although these words may seem synonymous, they actually refer to different concepts.
What is precision?
Precision refers to the repeatability of a result. In other words, if an experiment is performed multiple times and similar results are obtained, then it is said to be accurate. Precision has nothing to do with the distance between a result and the true value, but rather with the consistency of the values obtained.
And the accuracy?
Accuracy, on the other hand, refers to the closeness of a result to the true value. In most cases, it is impossible to obtain a completely accurate result due to the presence of systematic and random errors. However, the closer the result is to the true value, the more accurate it is considered.
Examples of precision and accuracy
Let's imagine that an archer is practicing at a shooting range. If the archer is constantly shooting arrows at the same position on the target, then his aim is accurate (although not necessarily accurate if his aim is not centered on the target). On the other hand, if the archer is shooting arrows all over the target, then his aim is inaccurate.
Another example could be a broken clock that always shows 3:00. Whenever we look at the clock, we will see that it says 3:00 (accurate), but we know that it is wrong (not exact).
Conclusion
Precision and accuracy are two different but related concepts. in the world of the measurements. It is important to note that getting a precise result does not necessarily mean it is accurate; Similarly, an exact result does not guarantee precision. Knowing these differences is essential for the correct management of the information obtained from measurements and experiments.
References
- González, H. (2016). Precision and accuracy: how are they different? Retrieved on May 4, 2021, from https://www.fisicalab.com/apartado/precision-exactitud
- Castilla-La Mancha university. (sf). Precision and accuracy. Retrieved on May 4, 2021, from https://www.uclm.es/profesorado/romero/info/Fisica/precis.htm
I am Sebastián Vidal, a computer engineer passionate about technology and DIY. Furthermore, I am the creator of tecnobits.com, where I share tutorials to make technology more accessible and understandable for everyone.