feilkilde

Feilkilde is a term used in science, engineering, and data analysis to describe a factor that introduces error into measurements, observations, or results. In this context, a feilkilde can be a source of bias, random variation, or any influence that causes a deviation from the true value. The concept is central to measurement accuracy and the assessment of uncertainty.

Typical feilkilder are categorized as systematic or random. Systematic feilkilder cause consistent, repeatable errors, such as instrument bias, calibration drift, or nonlinearity in a sensor. Random feilkilder produce unpredictable fluctuations, stemming from inherent variability in the measurement process, environmental noise, or sampling randomness. Other contributing factors include observer effects, procedure deviations, data processing choices, and environmental conditions like temperature or humidity.

Identifying feilkilder involves methods of error analysis, replication, calibration, and control experiments. Quantification often uses statistical tools to estimate uncertainty, including standard deviations, confidence intervals, and an uncertainty budget (or GUM-style assessments) that allocates contributions from different feilkilder.

Mitigation strategies aim to reduce or account for feilkilder. They include proper instrument calibration, using standardized procedures, environmental control, automated data collection, randomization in sampling, and transparent reporting of uncertainty. In practice, acknowledging and handling feilkilder improves the reliability and interpretability of results across disciplines.

In Norwegian scientific and engineering literature, feilkilde is the standard term for a source of error, underlying the broader concept of measurement uncertainty and quality assurance. See also uncertainty, error analysis, and calibration.