personal equation

American  

noun

1. the tendency to personal bias that accounts for variation in interpretation or approach and for which allowance must be made.

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personal equation British  

noun

1. the variation or error in observation or judgment caused by individual characteristics

2. the allowance made for such variation

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Etymology

Origin of personal equation

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

For those who fly at least once per year, it is usually the largest source of personal emissions and least sustainable mode of travel.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 10, 2022

The Keeling curve might remain a monthly glimpse into the abyss, but alongside it will now be a personal emissions curve that holds a real possibility of hitting the x-axis.

From Nature • Dec. 16, 2018

But I do think everyone can make a significant change to his or her leading source of personal emissions.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2014