Letter to the Editor—Accuracy, Precision, and Reliableness in Operational Research

There appears to be a singular lack of information and discussion concerning accuracy, precision, and reliableness in the practice of operational research. Attention is drawn to this lack and some suggestions are made for overcoming it. Examples are given to show how failure to consider accuracy and reliableness may lead to erroneous conclusions and that it is as important to take account of accuracy and reliableness as it is to have valid models. The two salient points emphasized are that some measure of the accuracy and reliableness of quantitative results should always be given in operational research work and that such measures should be objective rather than subjective. It is hoped that the paper will serve to stimulate discussion on how checks for precision, accuracy, and reliableness can best be made and reported.