goodness of fit

the degree to which values predicted by a model agree with empirically observed values. For example, a researcher may wish to assess whether a pattern of frequencies from a study is the same as theoretically expected, whether two categorical variables are independent, or whether a regression equation correctly predicts obtained data. A small, nonsignificant value from a statistical goodness-of-fit test indicates a well-fitting model.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

constant error

a systematic error in some particular direction. Constant error is computed as the average positive or negative difference between the observed and actual values along a dimension of interest. For example, if a weight of 1 kg is judged on average to be 1.5 kg, and a weight of 2 kg is judged to be 2.5 kg, the constant error is 500 g. See also absolute error; random error.