erroneous observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "erroneous observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a mistaken or incorrect observation made during research or analysis. Example: "The study's findings were called into question due to an erroneous observation that skewed the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Defoe, in his Tour Thro' the Whole Island of Britain, described "its remarkable sinking into the earth … working its way under ground like a mole", and was at pains to correct some erroneous observations made by another illustrious literary circumnavigator, William Camden, in Britannia, a century before.

The Guardian

The HIRLAM quality control procedures are able to detect and reject most of these erroneous observations.

Atmospheric Research

Erroneous observations occur and are attributed to misregistration between CT and PET images.

EJNMMI Research

They may be veridical observations of some enormous rare ape mistaken for an 'ape-man', or they may be erroneous observations of sociopaths in Yak coats?

SEP

It is also demonstrated with a specific form for an amplitude-dependent stiffness that the resulting nonlinearity can lead to erroneous observations of bandwidth frequencies, as well as the need for further reductions in the sweep rate.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Truncation at 20 visits eliminates these erroneous observations as well as removes a potential bias stemming from a decreased cap on out-of-pocket contributions for the elderly introduced in 2009.

Health Economics Review

The stumbling way in which even the ablest scientists in every generation have had to fight through thickets of erroneous observations, misleading generalizations, inadequate formulations, and unconscious prejudice is rarely appreciated by those who obtain their scientific knowledge from textbooks.

Huffington Post

"The stumbling way in which even the ablest of the scientists in every generation have had to fight through thickets of erroneous observations, misleading generalizations, inadequate formulations, and unconscious prejudice is rarely appreciated by those who obtain their scientific knowledge from textbooks".

Huffington Post

This might be due to erroneous observations.

Bioinformatics

However, our results are based on data excluding the most likely erroneous observations [ 23], and any remaining erroneous observations in the data seem unlikely to be different across races, and thus unlikely to affect the overall pattern of our results.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The reasons for these contrasting ploidy levels may be biological (e.g. true intraspecific cytotypes, intraindividual endopolyploidy) or artefactual, linked to poorly preserved material or erroneous observations.

AoB PLANTS

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing research results, clearly identify and address any potential sources of "erroneous observation" to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming all "erroneous observations" are due to individual error; consider external factors like environmental conditions or instrument malfunctions that might contribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "erroneous observation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'erroneous' modifies the noun 'observation'. It describes an observation that is incorrect or mistaken. According to Ludwig, it is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

18%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "erroneous observation" signifies an incorrect or mistaken observation, commonly used in scientific and analytical contexts. Ludwig confirms its validity for use in English writing. While not frequently encountered, it serves the critical function of pinpointing inaccuracies. Alternative expressions include "incorrect observation" or "flawed observation", varying slightly in emphasis. Recognizing and addressing the potential for "erroneous observations" is vital for maintaining credibility in research and analysis. It is crucial to account for contextual factors beyond individual error when investigating such observations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incorrect observation

Replaces "erroneous" with a more common synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

false observation

Substitutes "erroneous" with "false", emphasizing the inaccuracy of the observation.

mistaken observation

Uses "mistaken" instead of "erroneous", highlighting the error in the observation.

inaccurate observation

Emphasizes the lack of accuracy in the observation.

flawed observation

Indicates a defect or imperfection in the observation process or result.

unfounded observation

Suggests the observation lacks a solid basis or evidence.

invalid observation

Indicates the observation is not valid or legitimate.

specious observation

Implies the observation appears correct but is actually false.

deceptive observation

Suggests the observation is misleading or gives a false impression.

misleading observation

Highlights the observation's potential to lead to incorrect conclusions.

FAQs

How can I correct an "erroneous observation" in my research?

Start by re-examining your data collection methods and instruments for potential flaws. Verify data entry and analysis for errors. If necessary, repeat the observation under controlled conditions. Consider consulting with colleagues to identify potential sources of error.

What are some common causes of "erroneous observations" in scientific experiments?

Common causes include instrument error, human error in measurement or recording, environmental factors, and biases in data interpretation. Proper calibration, training, and blinding techniques can help minimize these errors.

Is it always necessary to discard data from "erroneous observations"?

Not always. If the cause of the error is identified and corrected, the data may be salvageable. However, if the error is unexplainable or significantly impacts the results, it's best to exclude the data. Always document your reasons for including or excluding data.

What is the difference between an "erroneous observation" and a "subjective interpretation"?

An "erroneous observation" is a factual mistake in what was perceived or recorded, while "subjective interpretation" is a viewpoint or conclusion influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. One is a mistake, the other is a position.