Differences in our heart rate estimates are a consequence of two processes. These latter errors are due to experimental error . Unfortunately there is often confusion about the distinction between these two terms. They do not have the same meanings when used in a scientific context. Accuracy is the closeness of an observation to its true value.
Precision is the similarly between repeat readings.
The usual way of explaining the difference between the two terms is by a dart board metaphor. The aim is to hit treble 20 three times. The thrower who landed three darts in treble 1 was very precise but inaccurate. This is an example of a systematic error or bias . Accepting that, in an ideal world, we should aim for both accuracy and precision, which of the following is the most desirable in an experiment.