Differences between systematic and random errors
Systematic error Random error
Not easy to detect Easy to detect
Cannot be eliminated by repeated measurements Can be minimized by repeated measurements
Can be assessed easily Statistical analysis required
Minimization of systematic errors increases the
accuracy of measurement Minimization of random errors increase
repeatability and hence precision of the measurement
Calibration helps reduce systematic errors Calibration has no effect on random errors
Characterization not necessary Characterized by mean, standard deviation, and variance
Reproducible inaccuracies that are consistently in
the same direction Random in nature and can be both positive and negative
