Question

What is measurement error? Discuss and give example

Answer 1

Measurement error is not an error actually. It is just the deviation. Measurement error means difference betwenn value measured or observed and its true value. Measurement error is also known as observation error.

It is basically quantified in terms of variability of measured value from its true value. True Value is that value which is the avergae of infinite numbers of measurements, means chances of its occurances in an error free environment is maximum. Measured value means it is a precise value and it is not an average value of so many measurements.

Measurement errors can be of two types. First one is random measurement error and second one is systematic error. Random errors means error caused due to some expected and natural factors. Systematic errors means error caused because of wrong and faulty calibration of insturments.

Suppose there are two electricians. Both are having same type of instruments for measuring voltage. Both applied same methodology for measurement. Both took readings at same time and from same sources.

After so much of synchronisation they found their results different from each other. Then this is known as error. Difference may be caused due to faulty calibration in one of the devices. Some other factors may also play role in it.

It is a part of statistics. Negative results are also a result and they provide us a direction to find out the root cause of error. This approach becomes beneficial while making next measurement. It provide a guideline about which step to follow and which to avoid.