Dictionary · Uncertainty
Uncertainty budget
A statement of a measurement uncertainty, its components, and their calculation and combination — usually tabulated with each source, evaluation type, distribution, standard uncertainty, sensitivity coefficient, and contribution.
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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
Sensitivity coefficient
The partial derivative ∂f/∂xᵢ of the measurement model with respect to an input quantity, evaluated at the estimates: it converts an input standard uncertainty into its contribution to the uncertainty of the result.
GUM (JCGM 100:2008) 5.1.3
Relative standard measurement uncertainty
A standard uncertainty divided by the absolute value of the measured quantity value — the form specifications and CMCs often quote (parts in 10⁶, percent of reading).
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.32
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
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.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.26
Target measurement uncertainty
An uncertainty specified in advance as an upper limit, decided from the intended use of the result.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 2.34