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GCSE Combined Science · key term
An error that consistently shifts measurements in a particular direction, such as an instrument reading too high.
Used by AQA and OCR
Specification 4.7.1.6 · Paper 3, Paper 4
An error that shifts measurements consistently in one direction.
Revise: Required Practical 14: Force, Mass and AccelerationA consistently sloping bench or a ruler with an incorrectly positioned zero can introduce systematic error. Check the bench and distance markings before taking readings. Repeating the same faulty setup does not remove such an error.
Specification WS1.2e, WS1.3h · Biology Paper 1, Biology Paper 2, Chemistry Paper 1, Chemistry Paper 2, Physics Paper 1, Physics Paper 2
Repeats and a mean reduce the influence of random errors; they do not correct a systematic error.
Repeating measurements and calculating a mean reduces the effect of random errors, but does not remove systematic errors.
For a systematic error, explain whether the reading or final result would be too high or too low.
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A consistent bias, such as an incorrectly calibrated instrument, produces a systematic error. Repeating the measurement will not remove that bias. The instrument should be checked against a known reference and corrected or replaced.
An error caused by equipment or a method that consistently biases measurements in the same direction. A fixed offset makes readings differ from the true value by the same amount each time.
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science
An error that consistently shifts measurements in a particular direction, for example because an instrument has an incorrect zero.
Revise: Evaluating Data and Drawing ConclusionsA systematic error shifts measurements consistently in a particular direction. For example, measuring every distance from the wrong reference point would give consistently incorrect distances. A light meter with an incorrect zero could consistently over-read.
