Accuracy vs. Precision Practice

Front

What is the definition of accuracy in measurements?

Back

Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the actual (true) value.

Front

What is the definition of precision in measurements?

Back

Precision refers to how close the measured values are to each other, regardless of whether they are close to the actual value.

Front

What does it mean if a measurement is both accurate and precise?

Back

It means the measured values are close to the actual value and also close to each other.

Front

What does it mean if a measurement is accurate but not precise?

Back

It means the measured values are close to the actual value but not close to each other.

Front

What does it mean if a measurement is precise but not accurate?

Back

It means the measured values are close to each other but not close to the actual value.

Front

What does it mean if a measurement is neither accurate nor precise?

Back

It means the measured values are neither close to the actual value nor close to each other.

Front

How can you determine which instrument is the most accurate?

Back

The most accurate instrument is the one whose measurement is closest to the true value.

Front

If a set of data has a high average but the individual values are spread out, how would you describe it?

Back

The data set can be described as accurate but not precise.

Front

What is an example of a situation where measurements are precise but not accurate?

Back

If a scale consistently reads 5 grams for a 10-gram weight, the measurements are precise but not accurate.

Front

What is an example of a situation where measurements are accurate but not precise?

Back

If a dartboard player hits the bullseye once but misses the target several times, the hit is accurate but not precise.