Testing Method

A test is a statistical procedure to

obtain a statement on the truth of
falsity of a proposition, on the basis
of empirical evidence. This is done
within the context of
a model, in which the fallibility or
variability of this empirical evidence
is represented by probability.
mportance of test methods

Insoftware development, engineering, science,

manufacturing, andbusiness, it is vital for all
interested people to understand and agree
upon methods of obtaining data and
makingmeasurements. It is common for
aphysical propertyto be strongly affected by
the precise method of testing or measuring that
property. It is vital to fully
documentexperimentsand measurements and
to provide needed definitions
tospecificationsandcontracts.
mportance of test methods
Using astandardtest method, perhaps
published by a respectedstandards
organization, is a good place to start.
Sometimes it is more useful to modify an
existing test method or to develop a new one.
Again, documentation and full disclosure are
very necessary.
A well-written test method is important.
However, even more important is choosing a
method of measuring the correct property or
characteristic. Not all tests and measurements
are equally useful: usually a test result is used
mportance of test methods
For example, if a manufactured item has
several components, test methods may have
several levels of connections:

test results of a raw material should

connect with tests of a component made
from that material
test results of a component should
connect withperformance testingof a
complete item
results of laboratory performance testing
should connect with field performance
mportance of test methods

These connections orcorrelationsmay be

based on published literature, engineering
studies, or formal programs such asquality
function deployment.Validationof the
suitability of the test method is often
required.
Content of a test method

Descriptive title
Scope over which class(es) of materials
or articles may be evaluated
Date of last effective revision and
revision designation
Reference to most recent test method
validation
Person, office, or agency responsible for
questions on the test method, updates,
and deviations.
The significance or importance of the
test method and its intended use
Content of a test method
Terminology anddefinitionsto clarify the
meanings of the test method
A listing of the types of apparatus and
measuring instrument (sometimes the specific
device) required to conduct the test
Safetyprecautions
Requiredcalibrationsandmetrologysystems
Environmentalconcerns and considerations
Samplingprocedures: How samples are to be
obtained, and Number of samples (sample size).
Content of a test method

Conditioning or requiredenvironmental
chamber:temperature,humidity, etc.,
includingtolerances
Preparation of samples for the test
andtest fixtures
Detailed procedure for conducting the test
Calculations and analysis of data
Interpretation of data and test method
output
Report: format, content, data, etc.
 Test Method Validation

Test methods are often scrutinized for

their validity, applicability, and
accuracy. It is very important that the
scope of the test method be clearly
defined, and any aspect included in
the scope is shown to be accurate and
repeatable through validation.
Test method validations often
encompass the following
considerations:
Accuracy and precision: Demonstration of
accuracy may require the creation of a reference
value if none is yet available.
RepeatabilityandReproducibility, sometimes in
the form of aGauge R&R.
Range, or a continuum scale over which the test
method would be considered accurate. Example: 10
N to 100 N force test.
Measurement resolution, be it spatial, temporal,
or otherwise.
Curve fitting, typically for linearity, which justifiesi
nterpolationbetween calibrated reference points.
Test method validations often
encompass the following
considerations:
Robustness, or the insensitivity to
potentially subtle variables in the
test environment or setup which may
be difficult to control.
Usefulness to predict end-use
characteristics and performance
Measurement uncertainty
Interlaboratory orround robin tests
Other types ofmeasurement
systems analysis