  Quantum computation has made considerable progress in the last decade with
multiple emerging technologies providing proof-of-principle experimental
demonstrations of such calculations. However, these experimental demonstrations
of quantum computation face technical challenges due to the noise and errors
that arise from imperfect implementation of the technology. Here, we frame the
concepts of computational accuracy, result reproducibility, device reliability
and program stability in the context of quantum computation. We provide
intuitive definitions for these concepts in the context of quantum computation
that lead to operationally meaningful bounds on program output. Our assessment
highlights the continuing need for statistical analyses of quantum computing
program to increase our confidence in the burgeoning field of quantum
information science.
