Accuracy Versus Precision Practice
Now, let's review how we can determine the precision and accuracy of a set of measurements.
The precision of a set of measurements is given by the range of measured values (largest measured value - smallest measured value). If a set of measurements has a high level of precision, it has a small range of values.
The percent error of a set of measurements tells us how closely the average of a set of measurements agrees with the accepted value of whatever is being measured, and as a result, percent error is a method for calculating the accuracy of a set of measurements. If a set of measurements is accurate, it has a small percent error.
The precision of a set of measurements is given by the range of measured values (largest measured value - smallest measured value). If a set of measurements has a high level of precision, it has a small range of values.
The percent error of a set of measurements tells us how closely the average of a set of measurements agrees with the accepted value of whatever is being measured, and as a result, percent error is a method for calculating the accuracy of a set of measurements. If a set of measurements is accurate, it has a small percent error.
Step 11: Click HERE to open the "Measurements and Calculations Table" document. After the document opens, look over your classmates' tables. If there are not at least five tables filled out by five different classmates, wait until more tables are filled in before continuing.
Step 12: If at least five tables have been filled in, use the information above regarding the methods used to calculate precision and accuracy and use the information your classmates have input in their tables to answer the the following questions: Which student has reported the most precise set of measurements? Which student has reported the most accurate set of measurements? Step 13: Use the Lino bulletin board below to report your answers to the two questions above. If you are unable to see the Lino bulletin board, click HERE. To post in the Lino bulletin board, first place your cursor over (hover over) "Accuracy Versus Precision" in blue in the top right-hand corner of the Lino bulletin board. Next, click on the pink sticky note. A large sticky note will appear. Type the following in the pink sticky note: today's date, the current time, and the student who you think has reported the most precise set of measurements. Type your first name in the "Tag:" slot. Click the "Post" button to make the sticky note appear on the bulletin board. If your sticky note is on top of another note, drag it to move it to another location. Click on the pink image at the right to see what to type in the pink sticky note. Next, again hover over "Accuracy Versus Precision" in the top right-hand corner of the Lino bulletin board. This time, click on the green sticky note. A large, green sticky note will appear. Type the following in the green sticky note: today's date, the current time, and the student who you think has reported the most accurate set of measurements. Type your first name in the "Tag:" slot. Click the "Post" button to make the sticky note appear on the bulletin board. Drag the note around until it is not on top of any other notes. Click on the green image at the right to see what to type in the green sticky note. Note: The bulletin board is larger than the window shown below. In other words, you can drag the background of the bulletin board around until you find an empty space for your notes. |
|