Accuracy and

Precision
C K
The accuracy of a measurement is how close a result
comes to the true value.

* In the picture below we see that the 4 darts are very close
to the bulls-eye but not to each other.
When conducting an experiment your accuracy can
be affected by error. To prevent this make sure you
Use the correct method
Dont use poorly calibrated or damaged
instruments
Or make mistakes in recording or reading
measurements.
Precision refers to how well experimental
data and values agree with each other in
multiple tests.
* In the picture below we see that the 4 darts are not close
to the bulls-eye but the darts are very close to each other
(precise).

When conducting an experiment your precision can
be affected by:
Limitations of the instrument.
Bad estimation skills.
Measurements can most definitely be
accurate and precise! This simply means
that ALL of your measurements are close
to the correct or actual measurement.
Look at the picture below for help!
* ALL of the darts are on
the bulls eye
Picture Examples
A dart board is one of the best ways to picture
accuracy and precision.
Lets See What Youve
learned!
Number 1: Answer each question then
go to the next slide to see the answers!
Answers!
Did you get these right? If not click the
two boxes down below! To review
accuracy & precision!
Precision Accuracy
Number 2: Two groups of students
collect measurements which group has
the most precise measurements? Or was
the precision the same? Justify your
answer
Group #1
Group #2
Answer!
Both groups have about the same precision! They are
both bad, ALL seven of their measurements were off
from EACHOTHER. Click the box below to review
precision!
Review Precision
Number 3: Give the definitions!
Answer!
its true value.
the other measurements
Number 4: Comment on the accuracy
and precision of these basketball free
throw shots!
99 of 100 shots are made.
99 of 100 shots hit the front of the rim and bounce
off.
33 of 100 shots are made; the rest miss.
Answer!
99 of 100 shots are made. Good accuracy, Good
precision!
99 of 100 shots hit the front of the rim and bounce
off. Good precision, bad accuracy.
33 of 100 shots are made; the rest miss. Bad
accuracy, bad precision!

This is a great example of a question that
might be on the test that has to do with
Accuracy and Precision but NOT with
measurements, for example!
TIP!
We know that accuracy is how close a measurement
is to its actual value so remember this!


Accuracy=Actual