ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Systematic error

Okay kiddo, let's talk about systematic error. Imagine you have a big bucket of water and you want to measure how much water is in it. You use a measuring cup to scoop out the water and pour it into another container. But sometimes, you spill a little bit of water or the cup isn't filled all the way to the top. These are called mistakes, and they can affect the accuracy of your measurement.

Now, let's say you always use the same measuring cup to measure the water. Even if you try really hard to avoid making mistakes, there might be something wrong with the measuring cup itself. Maybe it's not the right size or it's a little bit damaged. This means that every time you use the measuring cup, your measurements will be off by the same amount. This is called systematic error, because it's a consistent mistake that affects your results in the same way every time.

Systematic error can happen in all kinds of measurements, not just with water. It can also happen in science experiments or when people take surveys or polls. It's important to recognize and account for systematic error, because if you don't, your results might be misleading. So always check your measurements and try to minimize any mistakes or problems with your equipment.