ABSTRACT
Often a consideration in calibration activities, measurement uncertainty describes an area about an observation of some physical measurement that is likely to enclose the “true” value of that measurement. Measurement uncertainty can be modeled with a probability distribution, often the so-called normal distribution. Measurement uncertainty is related to systematic and random error of measurements and relies on the accuracy and the precision of the instrument used for the measurement. Any one implementation of a construct both underrepresents the construct of interest and measures irrelevant constructs, complicating inference. Mono-method bias refers to our measures or effects, differentiating it from mono-operation bias. External validity refers to the validity of inferences about whether the cause—effect relationship holds over variation in persons, settings, treatment variables, and measurement variables. The integrity of the measurement system is paramount. Automotive suppliers generally check their measurement systems using gage reproducibility and repeatability studies, machine capability studies, and other measurement system checks, including extensive requirements for calibration.
