What does accuracy refer to in experimental design?

In experimental design, accuracy specifically pertains to the nearness of data to a known value or the true value of what is being measured. This means that when measurements are deemed accurate, they reflect the actual or accepted value of the variable being tested. For example, if you are measuring the boiling point of water, an accurate measurement would closely align with the actual boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius at standard atmospheric pressure.

In contrast, precision refers to the consistency of measurements, meaning repeated measurements under the same conditions yield similar results, regardless of whether those results are close to the actual value. While complexity can refer to the intricacy or multifaceted nature of data, it does not relate to the correctness of the results. Accuracy is essential for validating that experimental results can be trusted and are relevant in scientific research or application.