# Comparing Absolute Deviation to Mean Absolute Deviation

## Main Question or Discussion Point

Hi Guys,

I am trying to measure variability in a part for my sensor which l do not know the true value. So l decided that a good way to measure variability in this case would be to measure precision of my data points as l change this part on the sensor. So l was wondering, can l compare the absolute deviation and mean absolute deviation and calculate the percentage deviation between the two, and then use the percentage deviation as a number which tells me something about variability in this part.

Thanks.

## Answers and Replies

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haruspex
Homework Helper
Gold Member
Your description is not very clear. Please flesh it out more, perhaps with an example.

Your description is not very clear. Please flesh it out more, perhaps with an example.
I calculated 15 absolute deviations and their mean absolute deviation. Would it be valid for me to say my data set is accurate if all the 15 absolute deviations are within ±5% of the mean absolute deviation ?

haruspex