Why is it usually considered preferable to use numbers subject to compensating errors rather than numbers subject to systematic errors?
A) Compensating errors tend to cancel out when they are combined
B) Systematic errors are caused by errors in data collection
C) Compensating errors are more likely to be close to the true value
D) Systematic errors are inappropriate in a research setting

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Compensating errors tend to cancel each other out when combined, leading to a result that is closer to the true value, whereas systematic errors consistently skew results in one direction.

Why Is It Usually Considered Preferable to Use Numbers Subject