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Basic Statistical Concepts

Six Sigma involves the use of many statistical tools. In this chapter, basic statistical concepts are explained briefly. The primary objective is to familiarize the readers with statistical terminology for a better understanding of the Six Sigma approach. This is neither a comprehensive text on statistics nor is it intended for a detailed mathematical and theoretical treatment of the subject.

Statistics uses data, which can either be of the variable type or of the attribute type. Variable data is measurable. Examples are height, weight, pressure, force, etc. Attribute data is countable and interim values do not exist. For example, pass or fail, head or tail, hit or miss, defective or not defective, number of scratches, ...

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