Key Stage 4
Meaning
Results are accurate if they are close to the true value.
About Accuracy
- Accuracy is achieved by:
- Removing systematic errors from the readings.
- Removing zero errors by calibrating instruments before the investigation.
- Controlling all the variables except for the independent variable and the Dependent Variable.
- If there are random errors and a small sample size taking repeat readings, removing anomalies and calculating an average can improve the accuracy.
- If there are systematic errors or zero errors the results can be improved by finding the source of the error and correcting it.
Accuracy vs Precision
- The number pi is 3.14159265359 correct to 12 significant figures.
- 3.1 is an accurate value for pi but it is not very precise - Close to the real number, but not many significant figures.
- 3.2111 is a precise value for pi but it is inaccurate - Not close enough to the real number, but has several significant figures.