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absolute error

the degree to which an observation is inaccurate without specification of whether it errs by being too high or too low. Absolute error is computed as the average absolute difference between the intended or expected value and the actual value. See also constant error; random error.

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Psychology term of the day

September 8th 2024

drift

drift

n.

1. a reduction in variation in genetic traits that can occur when sampling from continually smaller groups, such that some traits ultimately become excluded from possibility.

2. a reduction in the reliability of technical instruments orin the accuracy of observers over time. See instrument drift; observer drift.