The Control Chart as a Tool for Analyzing Experimental Data

The statistical methods that have been developed for use in quality control are a powerful tool in the interpretation of laboratory experiments where only a small amount of data is available. An understanding of these methods also permits more logical planning of experiments and improves what we might call "the efficiency of experimentation." One of the simplest and most broadly useful of these tools is the control chart. It is easy to understand and use and in many cases can take the place of more laborious and complicated methods of analysis.