Next Page Previous Page Home Tools & Aids Search Handbook
1. Exploratory Data Analysis
1.4. EDA Case Studies
1.4.2. Case Studies
1.4.2.1. Normal Random Numbers

1.4.2.1.2.

Graphical Output and Interpretation

Goal The goal of this analysis is threefold:
  1. Determine if the univariate model:

      \( Y_{i} = C + E_{i} \)

    is appropriate and valid.

  2. Determine if the typical underlying assumptions for an "in control" measurement process are valid. These assumptions are:
    1. random drawings;
    2. from a fixed distribution;
    3. with the distribution having a fixed location; and
    4. the distribution having a fixed scale.
  3. Determine if the confidence interval

      \( \bar{Y} \pm 2s/\sqrt{N} \)

    is appropriate and valid where s is the standard deviation of the original data.

4-Plot of Data 4-Plot of the Data
Interpretation The assumptions are addressed by the graphics shown above:
  1. The run sequence plot (upper left) indicates that the data do not have any significant shifts in location or scale over time. The run sequence plot does not show any obvious outliers.

  2. The lag plot (upper right) does not indicate any non-random pattern in the data.

  3. The histogram (lower left) shows that the data are reasonably symmetric, there do not appear to be significant outliers in the tails, and that it is reasonable to assume that the data are from approximately a normal distribution.

  4. The normal probability plot (lower right) verifies that an assumption of normality is in fact reasonable.

From the above plots, we conclude that the underlying assumptions are valid and the data follow approximately a normal distribution. Therefore, the confidence interval form given previously is appropriate for quantifying the uncertainty of the population mean. The numerical values for this model are given in the Quantitative Output and Interpretation section.

Individual Plots Although it is usually not necessary, the plots can be generated individually to give more detail.
Run Sequence Plot run sequence plot
Lag Plot lag plot
Histogram (with overlaid Normal PDF) histogram with overlaid normal PDF
Normal Probability Plot normal probability plot
Home Tools & Aids Search Handbook Previous Page Next Page