Errors
Types of Errors
There are three types of errors that are classified based on the source
they arise from; They are:
• Gross Errors
• Random Errors
• Systematic Errors
Gross Errors
• This category basically takes into account human oversight and other
mistakes while reading, recording, and readings. The most common human
error in measurement falls under this category of measurement errors. For
example, the person taking the reading from the meter of the instrument
may read 23 as 28. Gross errors can be avoided by using two suitable
measures, and they are written below:
• Proper care should be taken in reading, recording the data. Also, the
calculation of error should be done accurately.
• By increasing the number of experimenters, we can reduce the gross
errors. If each experimenter takes different readings at different points,
then by taking the average of more readings, we can reduce the gross
errors
Random Errors
• The random errors are those errors, which occur irregularly and
hence are random.
• These can arise due to random and unpredictable fluctuations in
experimental conditions (Example: unpredictable fluctuations in
temperature, voltage supply, mechanical vibrations of experimental
set-ups, etc, errors by the observer taking readings, etc. For example,
when the same person repeats the same observation, he may likely
get different readings every time.
Systematic Errors:
• Environmental Errors
• Observational Errors
• Instrumental Errors
Environmental Errors:
This type of error arises in the measurement due to the effect of the
external conditions on the measurement. The external condition
includes temperature, pressure, and humidity and can also include an
external magnetic field. If you measure your temperature under the
armpits and during the measurement, if the electricity goes out and
the room gets hot, it will affect your body temperature, affecting the
reading.
Observational Errors:
These are the errors that arise due to an individual’s bias, lack of proper
setting of the apparatus, or an individual’s carelessness in taking
observations.
Instrumental Errors:
• These errors arise due to faulty construction and calibration of the
measuring instruments. Such errors arise due to the hysteresis of the
equipment or due to friction. Lots of the time, the equipment being
used is faulty due to misuse or neglect, which changes the reading of
the equipment.
• The zero error is a very common type of error. This error is common in
devices like Vernier callipers and screw gauges. The zero error can be
either positive or negative. Sometimes the scale readings are worn
off, which can also lead to a bad reading.
How To Reduce Errors In Measurement
• Keeping an eye on the procedure and following the below listed
points can help to reduce the error.
• Make sure the formulas used for measurement are correct.
• Cross check the measured value of a quantity for improved accuracy.
• Use the instrument that has the highest precision.
• It is suggested to pilot test measuring instruments for better accuracy.
• Use multiple measures for the same construct.
• Note the measurements under controlled conditions.
Bad news…
• No matter how good
you are… there will
always be errors.
• The question is… How
to deal with them?
STATISTICS
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