How Accurate Do You Predict the Answer Will Be

In analytical chemistry, a number of identical measurements are taken and then an error is estimated by computing the standard deviation. With computational experiments, repeating the same step should always give exactly the same result, with the exception of Monte Carlo techniques. An error is estimated by comparing a number of similar computations to the experimental answers or much more rigorous computations. 

There are numerous articles and references on computational research studies. If none exist for the task at hand, the researcher may have to guess which method to use based on its assumptions. It is then prudent to perform a short study to verify the method s accuracy before applying it to an unknown. When an expert predicts an error or best method without the benefit of prior related research, he or she should have a fair amount of knowledge about available options A savvy researcher must know the merits and drawbacks of various methods and software packages in order to make an informed choice. The bibliography at the end of this chapter lists sources for reviewing accuracy data. Appendix A of this book provides short reviews of many software packages. 

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