The Difference Between?

The Difference Between?

 Working in such a tightly regulated and hugely competitive industry and dealing with technologies that can at times be controversial, I expect to hear heated debates or energetic discussions regarding the nature and/or value of regulations, cutting edge technologies, or free market price wars.  Because of the nature of our industry, I am never surprised when I hear animated exchanges when those topics are on the table.
However, what does continue to surprise me, no matter how many times I witness it, is the sight of a group of peers deep in conversation, debating whether or not there is significance to a word that they chose or did not choose to use or, worse yet, the difference between two words that they mistook for one another.
In my experience, I have found that when this occurs, the words in question are often those that sound alike, but are not alike, or words whose meanings are closely, but often inversely, related.
There are a few pairs of words that large portions of our industrial work force use as though they are interchangeable.  There are still other words, whose meaning is inferred because of the perceived meaning of the partner word.

 Verification Vs. Validation

Verification speaks only to the current point in time; Validation ensures a process, procedure, etc., will continue lead to expected results.

 

 

Validation Vs. Qualification

Validation = Process; Qualification = Component

 

 Periodic Assessment Vs. Continuing Validation

Periodic Assessment looks to the past; Continuing Validation provides confidence of control into the future

 

 Qualification Vs. Calibration

Qualification is a question of ability; Calibration is a question of accuracy

 

 Accuracy Vs. Precision

Accuracy speaks to the bility to come very near a target; Precision is the ability to obtain the same result time and time again (even if it's wrong)

 

 Method Vs. Test Vs. Measure Vs. Assess Vs. Validate

Tests are qualitative; Measures are quantitative. To assess is to observe and record; To evaluate is to seek meaning from...And a method consists of defined steps to conduct any of these

 

 

That’s all for part 1, but if any of you have a pair that you would like to see included in part 2 of the series – please leave us a comment below!
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Authored By:
Gina Guido-Redden
Chief Operating Officer
Coda Corp USAConnect with me on LinkedIn!
“Quality is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution. It represents the wisest of many alternatives.”

 

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