Which term refers to how closely observed data match the true state of the event?

Which term refers to how closely observed data match the true state of the event?

• A. Precision
• B. Reliability
• C. Validity
• D. Accuracy

Answer: (D)

Accuracy is about how close observed data are to the true state of the event. When measurements align with the real value, they are accurate. Precision, by contrast, is about how tightly repeated measurements cluster together, not how close they are to the true value. Reliability is about consistency across repeated measurements, and validity concerns whether the measurement actually assesses what it's intended to measure. Since the prompt focuses on closeness to the true state, accuracy is the best fit.

Accuracy is about how close observed data are to the true state of the event. When measurements align with the real value, they are accurate. Precision, by contrast, is about how tightly repeated measurements cluster together, not how close they are to the true value. Reliability is about consistency across repeated measurements, and validity concerns whether the measurement actually assesses what it's intended to measure. Since the prompt focuses on closeness to the true state, accuracy is the best fit.