Useful terms

Question 1

Accuracy

Answer 1

Measure of closeness between individual test result value

Question 2

Anomaly

Answer 2

Outlier; a value in a set of results judged not to be part of the inherent variation.

Question 3

Confidence

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Error

Answer 4

Difference between individual measurement and true values

Question 5

Precision

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Repeatability

Answer 6

The precision obtained when measurement results are produced over a short time by one person

Question 7

Reproducibility

Answer 7

The precision obtained when measurement results are produced over wider timescale by different people in different places

Question 8

Resolution

Answer 8

The smallest change in quantity measured that can be detected by instrument

Question 9

Uncertainty

Answer 9

Estimate attached to a measurement that characterises the range of values that the true value lies within.

Question 10

Validity; a valid measurement

Answer 10

A valid measurement is one that measures what it is supposed to