What is błąd losowy?

Here's information about random error, formatted in Markdown with linked key terms:

Błąd Losowy (Random Error)

Błąd losowy (also known as statistical noise) refers to the unpredictable and inconsistent errors in measurement. These errors fluctuate randomly around the true value, meaning they are as likely to overestimate as they are to underestimate. Unlike błąd systematyczny, which is consistent and biased in one direction, random error has no discernible pattern.

Key Characteristics:

• Unpredictable: By definition, random errors are unpredictable; there is no way to know when or how they will occur.
• Fluctuating: Random errors cause measurements to vary above and below the true value.
• Effect on Precision: Random error primarily affects the precyzja of a measurement. High random error leads to low precision (i.e., the measurements are scattered).
• Effect on Accuracy: While random error primarily affects precision, if the random errors are large enough, they can also reduce dokładność (i.e., the closeness of the average of the measurements to the true value). Over a large number of trials, the errors tend to cancel each other out, so random error doesn't necessarily create bias.

Sources of Random Error:

• Observer Error: Inconsistent readings or interpretations by the observer.
• Environmental Variations: Fluctuations in temperature, humidity, pressure, or other environmental factors that affect the measurement.
• Instrument Limitations: The inherent precision limits of the measuring instrument itself.
• Sampling Error: Errors that arise from the fact that a sample of a population is used to estimate characteristics of the entire population.
• Statistical Fluctuations: Random variations in data in statistical tests.

Reducing Random Error:

• Multiple Measurements: Taking multiple measurements and averaging them helps reduce the impact of random errors, as the positive and negative errors tend to cancel each other out.
• Improved Equipment: Using more precise and well-calibrated measuring instruments.
• Controlled Environment: Minimizing environmental variations that can influence measurements.
• Larger Sample Size: Increasing the sample size in statistical studies can reduce the effect of błąd próbkowania.