ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Page Count: 14

Bias Testing: Myths, Misconceptions, and Mistakes

Gould, G
Self-employed consultant, Thornwood, NY

(Received 22 May 1996; accepted 21 June 1996)

Abstract

The art and science of testing sampling systems for bias has been controversial from its beginnings, some 35 years ago. Since then it has evolved as a discipline of increasingly broad scope and complexity. Currently under consideration as a standard practice, it involves univariate, multivariate, parametric, and nonparametric statistical treatments, static and dynamic operating modes, single and two-stage tests, and matched samples consisting of single increments, sublots, and lots. Testing for bias has been encumbered with an ever-expanding set of myths, misconceptions, and mistakes. The author explores the most common and grievous among them using graphics to help the reader visualize the issues.

Keywords:
bias testing, normality, outliers, sample size, scale bias, Type I error, Type II error

Paper ID: JTE11313J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE11313J
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