Systematic error vs Random error

[RazzMeTazz]

Hi, I am a bit confused about the difference between systematic and random errors.

Would it be correct to say that, a systematic error is one resulting in a value that is always too high or always too low than the actual value, whilst a random error is one that may result in either a high or low value than the actual value?

Is there any other major differences between the two types of errors?

Thanks!

[doher109]

Systematic - an error produced as a result of your scientific process (generally will be a consistently too high or too low)

Random - an error produced as a result of normal changes to the environment / can't be avoided  (will be both too high and low)

Hope that helps

[Superfruit]

Hi, I am a bit confused about the difference between systematic and random errors.

Would it be correct to say that, a systematic error is one resulting in a value that is always too high or always too low than the actual value, whilst a random error is one that may result in either a high or low value than the actual value?

Is there any other major differences between the two types of errors?

Thanks!

A systematic error usually has something to do with a piece of equipment being incorrectly calibrated, and it usually cannot be fixed upon repetition of the experiment. However, a random error occurs due to factors such as subjectivity when detecting the end point. Random errors can be corrected with the repetition of an experiment.