Systematic error

Systematic errors are biases in measurement which lead to measured values being systematically too high or too low. See also bias (statistics) and errors and residuals in statistics. All measurements are prone to systematic error. A systematic error is any biasing effect, in the environment, methods of observation or instruments used, which introduces error into an experiment. Distance measured by radar will be in error if the slight slowing down of the waves in air is not allowed for. The length of a pendulum will be in error if slight movement of the support, which effectively lengthens the string, is not allowed for. Incorrect zeroing of an instrument leading to a zero error is an example of systematic error in instrumentation. So is a clock running fast or slow.

Related Topics:
Bias - Measurement - Bias (statistics) - Errors and residuals in statistics - Environment - Observation - Error - Experiment - Distance - Radar - Pendulum - Clock

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Constant systematic errors are very difficult to deal with, because their effects are only observable if they can be removed. To remove systematic error is simply to make a better experiment.

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