What is the relationship between precision and accuracy?

The concept of precision and accuracy is fundamental in scientific measurements and data analysis. Precision refers to the consistency or repeatability of measurements — if you measure the same quantity multiple times, high precision means that those measurements are closely grouped together, regardless of how close they are to the actual true value. On the other hand, accuracy refers to how close the measured values are to the true or accepted value of the quantity being measured.

Thus, the correct choice emphasizes that precision is about the variability in repeated measurements, while accuracy is concerned with how well those measurements reflect the true value. This distinction is crucial in science, as it helps in evaluating the reliability and validity of data. Effective measurements should ideally show both high precision and accuracy; however, it is possible to have precise measurements that are not accurate if they are consistently off from the true value. Understanding this relationship aids in identifying potential errors and improving measurement techniques.