SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1983
STP35170S

Chapter 1—Reference Bases for Accurate Measurement

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Most measurements are made to communicate information on properties of material things in a purposeful way to accomplish useful goals. Communications can be effective or ineffective. In parallel, measurements can be meaningful or not meaningful. Meaningful measurements allow us to make decisions on a solid, objective basis. For example, the measurement of a patient's temperature is likely to cause little controversy because instruments and scales are available to determine temperature well within the required tolerance. On the other hand, measurements of the quality of wine on a scale of desirability are still highly subjective, and decisions based on results of “experts” using the taste test are subject to controversy.

Author Information

Yolken, HT
National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C.
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Developed by Committee: F04
Pages: 13–21
DOI: 10.1520/STP35170S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4866-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0235-4