systematic error

error in which the data values obtained from a sample deviate by a fixed amount from the true values within the population. For example, a scale that repeatedly provides readings 0.5 g lower than the true weight would be demonstrating systematic error. Systematic errors tend to be consistently positive or negative and may occur as a result of sampling bias or measurement error. Compare random error.

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Psychology term of the day

November 21st 2024

CAT

1. abbreviation for California Achievement Tests.

2. abbreviation for Children’s Apperception Test.

3. abbreviation for the British version of the Cognitive Abilities Test.

4. abbreviation for computer adaptive testing.

5. acronym for computerized axial tomography (see computed tomography).