# Aset of data is highly precise, what does this indicate about the accuracy of the data?

Mar 14, 2018

It indicates nothing whatsoever with respect to $\text{accuracy...}$

#### Explanation:

$\text{Precision}$ refers to repeatability. A measuring device or set of devices might give rise to a set of reproducible, and, therefore, highly $\text{precise measurements}$.

On the other hand, $\text{accuracy}$ refers to the closeness of the measurement to the actual value, whatever this is. And thus a $\text{precise}$ series of measurement, i.e. a series that is reproducible, and confined to a small range of values, may be $\text{inaccurate}$ given some fault in the measuring device, i.e. some systematic error or weakness.

On the other, other hand, an accurate measurement, a measurement that is close or identical to the true value, whatever this is, may be highly IMPRECISE, given the fact that you cannot reliably reproduce the measurement, and the measured values span a large range.

Mar 14, 2018

To be totally honest, nothing.

#### Explanation:

Precision means that all the data points lie close together, so you were able to achieve a consistent result.

If your results were something like this:

3.4m, 3.2m, 3.3m, 3.4m - they would be called precise, as they are close to a certain value and have little variation.

This does not mean though, that your results were accurate. Accuracy means being "right" or close to an accepted value. If for the above example, the true distance was 10m, you would be precise, but not accurate.

Hope this helps!