väriarvioiden

Väriarvioiden is a Finnish term used in statistics, measurement science, and data analysis to describe estimates of the magnitude of error associated with a measurement, estimate, or model output. The plural form väriarvioiden is used when referring to multiple such error estimates.

Definition and scope: A väriarvio expresses how far the reported value may deviate from the true value. It can reflect random errors, systematic errors, or a combination, and is typically presented alongside results to communicate uncertainty. Väriarvioiden may be reported as an absolute margin, a confidence interval, or a probabilistic distribution.

Methods and approaches: Väriarvioiden can be obtained through a variety of methods, including:

- error propagation using analytical calculations,

- Monte Carlo simulations,

- bootstrap resampling,

- repeatability and reproducibility studies,

- calibration data and metrological techniques.

In practice, väriarvioiden align with broader concepts of measurement uncertainty and the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM).

Relation to other concepts: Väriarvioiden are related to, but distinct from, bias and the point estimate. They provide a quantitative expression of uncertainty around a reported value, complementing the central estimate with a measure of its reliability and informing interpretation and decision-making.

Examples: In a lab report, a temperature reading might be stated as 23.5 °C with väriarvioiden ±0.3 °C. In modeling, a predicted value could be accompanied by Väriarvioiden that reflect the uncertainty in inputs and model structure.

See also: Uncertainty, Measurement error, Confidence interval, Error propagation, Calibration.