MENU
What are random errors caused by?
Random errors are caused by unpredictable fluctuations that occur naturally in measurement, observation, or recording processes. These errors are not consistently in one direction and do not systematically push results higher or lower. Instead, they introduce variability that can make repeated measurements differ slightly even when conditions seem similar. Examples include minor environmental changes, momentary variations in instrument sensitivity, normal human reaction differences, or small observational inconsistencies. Because random errors are unsystematic, they tend to average out over a large number of observations, although they still reduce precision. By contrast, an instrument that needs calibration is more closely associated with systematic error, because it may consistently overstate or understate measurements. Respondents favoring certain outcomes and biased data also reflect systematic forms of bias rather than random variation. In statistics and quality measurement, distinguishing between random error and systematic error is important because each requires a different response. Random error is mainly addressed through repetition, sample size, and statistical controls, whereas systematic error must be corrected at the source. Therefore, the correct cause of random errors is unpredictable fluctuations in readings.