Accuracy Quote by William Sealy Gosset
“Conclusions I. A curve has been found representing the frequency distribution of standard deviations of samples drawn from a normal population. II. A curve has been found representing the frequency distribution of values of the means of such samples, when these values are measured from the mean of the population in terms of the standard deviation of the sample... III. Tables are given by which it can be judged whether a series of experiments, however short, have given a result which conforms to any required standard of accuracy or whether it is necessary to continue the investigation.”
About This Quote
Source Paper: The Probable Error of a Mean, 1908
A statistical method was created to assess how sample means vary and to decide if more data are needed to meet a desired accuracy.
In simple terms: A way to judge if experiments are accurate enough.
Key Takeaway
Use the tables to determine when to stop testing.
Themes
statistics
measurement
confidence
experiment
accuracy
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
technical
educational
When to use this quote
- quality control
- clinical trials
- manufacturing
- research studies
- survey analysis
Key Concepts
sampling distribution
standard error
confidence intervals
Questions to Reflect On
- Is your sample size sufficient for reliable conclusions?
- How do you handle non‑normal data?
A Different Perspective
The method assumes normality and may be less reliable with small or skewed samples.
