Question

Discuss the difference between systematic error and random error. Make sure to note how each of these effects (or does not affect) our models. In doing so, note the influence these have on statistical power and how this impacts the model.

Answer 1

Systematic error is associated with the instruments or experimental design used for measuring purpose. Systematic errors are consistent and occur again and again due to the wrong method of using instruments or using incorrectly calibrated instruments. These errors would be removed from the experiment by taking proper care. Random errors are completely random in manner and these errors are unpredictable. Systematic errors are consistent errors, if you do the experiment, again and again, you will get the systematic error again and again; but we can’t predict random error for the next experiment. Random errors are usually unavoidable.

The systematic errors and random errors have influences on the statistical models and statistical power. A statistical model would be affected due to systematic errors and there is a possibility of getting biased results due to the presence of systematic errors due to wrongly used instruments or incorrectly calibrated instruments. The impact of systematic errors would be more than random errors. Statistical power would be reduced if the systematic errors increase within the model.