5. Random and Systematic Errors

Question 1

Random v Systematic Error

Answer 1

Random error mainly affects precision, which is how similar the values are as there will be inconsistencies in data. In contrast, systematic error affects the accuracy of a measurement, or how close the observed value is to the true value.

Question 2

Analysing Data

Answer 2

• Precise: How close values are to one another
• Accuracy: How close values are to true value
• Random Error: Large or small range of values
• Systematic Error: Consistently differs from true value