Error Variance
The portion of the total variance in a set of data that is due to random factors or measurement errors, important in assessing the reliability of research findings.
Implications
The portion of the total variance in a data set that is attributable to random errors or noise, often used in statistical analysis to assess the reliability of estimates and the fit of models, with lower error variance indicating a better model fit.
Example
Example: A statistician evaluates the error variance in a predictive model to determine how much of the variation in the dependent variable is due to random noise versus the explanatory power of the independent variables.
Related Terms
Different from total variance, which includes both explained and unexplained variance, error variance specifically refers to the unexplained portion, often reduced through better model specification.