A Method for Determining Equivalence in Industrial Applications

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Scott J. Richter, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: This article considers the problem of determining whether the results of measurements at two different measurement times are equivalent. Quite often in an industrial quality assurance experiment, the goal is to provide evidence of equivalence, rather than difference. Although determining equivalence has long been a staple in biological and chemical applications, it is often useful in industrial situations, such as comparing the characteristics of products measured at different points in time, or produced using different formulations. Methods for assessing equivalence, however, are rarely taught to engineers and other scientists. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate a procedure for assessing equivalence, as well as to demonstrate the inappropriateness of a method commonly used in these situations. The authors suggest that equivalence testing methodology should be among the statistical tools at the disposal of quality and process control engineers.

Additional Information

Publication
Quality Engineering
Language: English
Date: 2002
Keywords
Equivalence test, Test reduction, Quality assurance

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