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Re: systematic error and statistical error



I especially like his statements about *labeling* what type of error
is being reported. A similar problem arises in distinguishing between
the sample standard deviation, and the standard error of the mean.
When a person reports the result of several measurements and indicates
the result in the format 3.45 +- 0.03, what is the meaning of this
number? Is it the standard deviation, or is it the standard error of
the mean, or something else? I think several different meanings are
commonly used, and the only way for the reader to know is for the
writer to specify.
Michael,
I would always interpet that to mean the measurement is
somewhere between 3.45 & 3.42.

Tim O'Donnell
Instructor of Physics and Chemistry
Celina High School
715 East Wayne Street
Celina, Ohio 45822
(419) 586-8300 Ext 1200 or 1201
odonnt@celina.k12.oh.us

"Chance only favors the prepared mind." - Louis Pasteur