Dictionary · Uncertainty
Measurement uncertainty
A non-negative parameter characterizing the dispersion of the quantity values being attributed to a measurand, based on the information used — the quantitative expression of doubt about a result.
Related terms
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Type B evaluation of measurement uncertainty
Evaluation of a component of uncertainty by means other than statistical analysis of current measurements — calibration certificates, specifications, handbook data, assumed distributions.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.29
Coverage interval
The interval containing the set of true quantity values of a measurand with a stated probability, based on available information — unlike a classical confidence interval, not necessarily centred on the measured value.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.36
Measurement function
The function whose output value, computed from the input quantity values, is the measured value of the output quantity — Y = f(X₁, …, Xₙ) when the model can be solved explicitly.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.49
Monte Carlo method (uncertainty)
Propagation of probability distributions through a measurement model by repeated random sampling, per JCGM 101:2008. Preferred when the model is strongly non-linear or distributions are non-normal.
JCGM 101:2008
Type A evaluation of measurement uncertainty
Evaluation of a component of uncertainty by statistical analysis of measured values obtained under defined conditions — e.g. the standard deviation of the mean of repeated readings.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.28
Input quantity in a measurement model
A quantity that must be measured, or whose value can be otherwise obtained, to calculate a measured value of the measurand.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.50