What is the term for when a measuring instrument consistently gives readings that are too high or too low?

The term that refers to a measuring instrument consistently providing readings that are too high or too low is known as bias. Bias indicates a systematic error present in the measurements, where the results deviate in a consistent direction away from the true value. This could occur due to various factors, such as calibration issues, environmental influences, or flaws in the instrument design itself.

Understanding bias is crucial in forensic analysis and other scientific measurements because it can lead to significant distortions in data interpretation. It highlights the importance of calibration and validation to ensure the integrity and reliability of measurement instruments used in investigations.

Precision, on the other hand, refers to the degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions yield the same results, rather than their closeness to the true value. Uncertainty accounts for the range of possible values that could describe the results of a measurement, while accuracy refers to the closeness of a measurement to the true or accepted value, which may be influenced by bias if the instrument consistently over or underestimates measurements.