Glossary#
- accurate measurement#
A measurement with a small random error between measurements.
- normal distribution#
A continuous probability distribution for a random variable with a real value. It is also known as a Gaussian, and typically has a bell shape centered at the mean value and with the width defined by the standard deviation.
- population#
The total number of occurrences of a particular thing in a defined area.
- precise measurement#
A measurement with a small systematic error from the known value.
- random error#
Uncertainty that arises from making repeated measurements.
- representative sample#
A sample that can be used to infer the characteristics of the population.
- sample#
Material or data collected that is a subset of a much larger population. Also referred to as a sampling unit.
- systematic error#
Uncertainty that cannot be revealed by repeated measurements.