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Is standard deviation the same as uncertainty?

 Dec 2, 2014

Best Answer 

 #2
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Standard deviation is a measure of variablity.

 

If there is no variation between samples, then S.D. = 0

The greater the differences, the greater the S.D.

 Dec 2, 2014
 #1
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No. But standard deviation can be used to measure the amount of uncertainty.

Picture this:  you are trying to saw a group of boards by hand, each supposed to be 30 cm long.

You won't be able to saw them exactly 30 cm long; some will be a little longer, some will be a little shorter.

Standard deviation is a measurement of how close they are to being exactly 30 cm long. The smaller the standard deviation, the more precise your products are to each other (being the same size).

Uncertainty can refer to several things. It can refer to measuring your error in predicting the flip of a coin, the chance that it will rain tomorrow, or the chance that a particle will decay. 

 Dec 2, 2014
 #2
avatar
+5
Best Answer

Standard deviation is a measure of variablity.

 

If there is no variation between samples, then S.D. = 0

The greater the differences, the greater the S.D.

Guest Dec 2, 2014

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