Is the following an example of (A) precision, or (B) accuracy?

Question

The University of Timbuktu (hereafter “The University”) relates in its policy document that no student shall be allowed to register should they have a prior criminal record. As the student has a previous conviction for perjury, she is not allowed to register.


(A) Precision


(B) Accuracy

Answer 1

The scenario described relates to (B) accuracy.

Accuracy refers to how close a measurement or statement is to the true value or reality. In this case, the university's policy of not allowing students with a criminal record to register reflects an accurate application of that policy regarding the student's prior conviction. If the student's conviction is indeed a factor that justifies her ineligibility, then the decision made by the university is accurate based on the information provided.

Precision, on the other hand, would refer to the consistency of a measure or statement, irrespective of its correctness. In this context, the example focuses more on the correctness of the application of the policy rather than the consistency of its implementation.