random error

Random errors are the small fluctuations introduced in nearly all analyses. These errors can be minimized but not eliminated. They can be treated, however, using statistical methods. Statistics is used to estimate the random error that occurs during each step of an analysis, and, upon…

The term random error is sometimes used to distinguish the effects of inherent imprecision from so-called systematic error, which may originate in faulty assumptions or procedures. The methods of mathematical statistics are particularly suited to the estimation and management of random errors.

…a measurement is subject to random error, the average of many repetitions gives an improved estimate of what the result would be if the source of random error were eliminated; the factor by which the estimate is improved is roughly the square root of the number of measurements. Moreover, the…