Which property of a measurement indicates its consistency over repeated trials?

The concept of precision refers to the degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions yield the same results. It reflects the consistency and repeatability of a measurement process, indicating how closely multiple measurements of the same quantity are clustered together.

In practical terms, if a measurement is precise, it implies that minor variations in measurement will yield similar results when the same procedure is used under the same conditions. This is especially important in contexts such as lead risk assessment, where ensuring reliable readings contributes to understanding risk levels effectively.

Unlike accuracy, which measures how close a result is to the true value, precision focuses purely on the repeatability of results. Bias indicates a systematic deviation from the true value, and reliability often encompasses both consistency (precision) and accuracy, but is a broader term that can involve factors such as the validity of the measurement tool used over time. Thus, precision specifically highlights the measure's ability to yield consistent results across multiple trials.