In instrumentation, what does "calibration" refer to?

Calibration in instrumentation specifically refers to the process of adjusting the readouts of an instrument so that they match known standards or references. This is a crucial aspect of ensuring accuracy and reliability in measurements taken by various instruments. During calibration, an instrument is compared against a standard that is recognized for its accuracy, and any adjustments needed are made to align the instrument's readouts with those standards. This ensures that the measurements taken are true reflections of the actual conditions being measured, which is essential in various applications, especially in process control, quality assurance, and safety assessments.

The other options describe important activities related to instrument management, but they do not specifically define calibration. Inspecting instruments for wear and tear is related to maintenance rather than the adjustment of measurements. Evaluating the performance of control systems involves assessing how well a system operates as a whole, while training operators focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to use equipment safely and effectively. However, these activities do not address the specific purpose of calibration, which is solely about aligning instrument readings to established standards.