Virheväli

Virheväli is a Finnish term that translates to "error interval" or "uncertainty interval" in English. It refers to a range of values within which a true measurement or estimate is expected to lie, with a certain level of confidence. In statistical contexts, virheväli is closely related to the concept of confidence intervals.

When a measurement is taken, there are always sources of error, such as instrument limitations, random variations, or sampling biases. The virheväli quantifies this uncertainty. For example, if a measurement is reported as 10 units with a virheväli of ±1 unit, it means that the true value is believed to be between 9 and 11 units. The confidence level associated with this interval indicates the probability that the true value falls within the stated range. A common confidence level is 95%.

Virheväli is a crucial concept in scientific research, engineering, quality control, and any field where data is collected and analyzed. It helps in interpreting the reliability of results and making informed decisions. A wider virheväli suggests greater uncertainty, while a narrower one indicates higher precision. Understanding the virheväli allows for a more realistic assessment of findings, preventing overconfidence in potentially imprecise measurements or estimates. It is a fundamental tool for conveying the limitations and scope of data.