ASTM E2282-14(2023)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Defining the Test Result of a Test Method
Standard Guide for Defining the Test Result of a Test Method
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this guide is to provide guidelines for identifying the elements that comprise the test result of a test method and to illustrate how these elements combine into the test result. It covers the types of measurement scales used for expressing observations and test results. This guide provides information on the construction of test results from more elemental measurements.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 All test methods have an output in the form of a test result. This guide provides information on the construction of test results from more elemental measurements.
4.2 A well defined test result is necessary before any precision statements can be made about the test method.
4.2.1 Form and Style for ASTM Standards,2 Section A21, requires that every test method shall contain a statement regarding its precision, preferably as a result of an interlaboratory test program. Reporting of such studies is described in Practice E177, which illustrates the development of test results from observations and test determinations.
4.2.2 Precision statements for ASTM test methods are applicable to test results. They are not applicable to test determinations or observations, unless specifically and clearly indicated otherwise.
SCOPE
1.1 The purpose of this guide is to provide guidelines for identifying the elements that comprise the test result of a test method and to illustrate how these elements combine into the test result.
1.2 Types of measurement scales used for expressing observations and test results are discussed.
1.3 No system of units is specified in this standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2282 − 14 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Defining the Test Result of a Test Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2282; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.2 characteristic, n—a property of items in a sample or
population which, when measured, counted or otherwise
1.1 The purpose of this guide is to provide guidelines for
observed, helps to distinguish between the items.
identifying the elements that comprise the test result of a test
3.1.3 interval scale, n—continuous scale or discrete scale
method and to illustrate how these elements combine into the
with equal sized scale values and an arbitrary zero.
test result.
ISO 3534–2
1.2 Types of measurement scales used for expressing obser-
3.1.4 nominal scale, n—scale with unordered labeled cat-
vations and test results are discussed.
egories or ordered by convention. ISO 3534–2
1.3 No system of units is specified in this standard.
3.1.5 observation, n—the process of obtaining information
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
regarding the presence or absence of an attribute of a test
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specimen, or of making a reading on a characteristic or
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
dimension of a test specimen.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.5.1 Discussion—Observation is also associated with the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
attribute or measurement information obtained from the pro-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
cess. The term “observed value” is preferred for this second
usage.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.6 observed value, n—the value obtained by making an
2.1 ASTM Standards:
observation.
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
3.1.7 ordinal scale, n—scale with ordered labeled
ASTM Test Methods
categories. ISO 3534–2
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
3.1.8 ratio scale, n—continuous scale with equal sized scale
2.2 ISO Standard:
values and an absolute or natural zero point. ISO 3534–2
ISO 3534–2 Statistics—Vocabulary and Symbols, Part 2:
3.1.8.1 Discussion—Ratio scales consist of only non-
Applied Statistics
negative values.
3.1.9 scale, n—system of reference values for a
3. Terminology
characteristic. ISO 3534–2
3.1 Definitions—For a more extensive list of terms in E11
3.1.10 test determination, n—the value of a characteristic or
standards, refer to Terminology E456.
dimension of a single test specimen derived from one or more
3.1.1 binary scale, n—nominal scale with only two possible
observed values.
categories.
3.1.11 test method, n—a definitive procedure that produces
a test result.
3.1.11.1 Discussion—Examples of test methods include, but
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E11 on Quality and
Statistics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E11.20 on Test Method are not limited to: identification, measurement, and evaluation
Evaluation and Quality Control.
of one or more qualities, characteristics, or properties.
Current edition approved April 1, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally
ASTM Regulations 2.2.6
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as E2282 – 14 (2019).
DOI: 10.1520/E2282-14R23.
3.1.12 test observation, n—see observation.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3.1.13 test result, n—the value of a characteristic obtained
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
by carrying out a specified test method.
the ASTM website.
3.1.13.1 Discussion—The test method specifies that one or a
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
number of individual observations be made, and their average
la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
www.iso.ch. or another appropriate function, (such as the median or the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2282 − 14 (2023)
standard deviation), be reported as the test result. It can also 5.2.1 A nominal scale is an unordered categorical scale.
require standard corrections to be applied, such as correction of Examples include blood types (A, B, O) or categories of defect
gas volumes to standard temperature and pressure. Thus, a test types.
result can be a result calculated from several observed values. 5.2.1.1 A binary scale is the special case of a nominal scale
In the simple case, the test result is the observed value itself. with only two categories. An example is the presence or
ISO 3534–2 absence of some condition in a test specimen or in conducting
a test method, such as a pipe or glass breaking after an impact,
3.1.14 test specimen, n—the portion of a test unit needed to
a cigarette igniting a piece of fabric, or a light bulb turning on.
obtain a single test determination.
5.2.2 An ordinal scale is an ordered categorical scale. An
3.1.14.1 Discussion—When used for a physical test, this is
example is a rating scale comprising four categories: poor, fair,
sometimes called “test piece.” For a chemical test, it is
good, and excellent.
sometimes called test portion or test sample. For optical and
5.2.2.1 Worded categories may be assigned numbers, such
other tests, it is also sometimes called test sample. In interla-
as 1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = excellent.
boratory evaluation of test methods and other statistical
5.2.2.2 The differences in categories, whether in numbers or
procedures, it is best to reserve the word sample for the whole
labels, are not uniform and are often arbitrary or subjective.
amount of material involved and not the individual test
5.2.3 An interval scale is a numeric scale with an arbitrary
specimens, pieces or portions being tested.
zero. Such scales may consist of negative and positive
3.1.15 test unit, n—the total quantity of material (containing
numbers, rounded to a defined number of significant figures.
one or more test specimens) needed to obtain a test result as
An example is the Celsius scale for temperature where 0°C is
specified in the test method. (See test result.)
defined as the freezing point of water.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
5.2.3.1 Differences are meaningful on an interval scale. A
3.2.1 binary test result, n—a test result for which the final
difference of 10 degrees Celsius is the same change in
value is one of two possible categories.
temperature throughout the scale.
3.2.2 ordinal test result, n—a test result where the final
5.2.4 A ratio scale is a numeric scale with an absolute zero,
value is reported as one of the scale results on an ordinal scale.
and all values are non-negative numbers. Examples are the
length of an item or the temperature as measured on the Kelvin
4. Significance and Use
scale.
4.1 All test methods have an output in the form of a test
5.2.4.1 Ratios, as well as differences, are meaningful on a
result. This guide provides information on the construction of
ratio scale.
test results from more elemental measurements.
5.3 Other Types of Scales:
4.2 A well defined test result is necessary before any
5.3.1 A number of special types of scales may be con-
precision statements can be made about the test method.
structed or utilized. These may involve non-linear scales such
4.2.1 Form and Style for ASTM Standards, Section A21,
as logarithmic or power scales. Other situations may involve
requires that every test method shall contain a statement
censored numerical responses where values that would be
regarding its precision, preferably as a result of an interlabo-
below a lower limit, or above an upper limit, are not reported
ratory test program. Reporting of such studies is described in
numerically.
Practice E177, which illustrates the development of test results
from observations and test determi
...
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E2282 − 14 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Defining the Test Result of a Test Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2282; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.2 characteristic, n—a property of items in a sample or
population which, when measured, counted or otherwise
1.1 The purpose of this guide is to provide guidelines for
observed, helps to distinguish between the items.
identifying the elements that comprise the test result of a test
3.1.3 interval scale, n—continuous scale or discrete scale
method and to illustrate how these elements combine into the
with equal sized scale values and an arbitrary zero.
test result.
ISO 3534–2
1.2 Types of measurement scales used for expressing obser-
3.1.4 nominal scale, n—scale with unordered labeled cat-
vations and test results are discussed.
egories or ordered by convention. ISO 3534–2
1.3 No system of units is specified in this standard.
3.1.5 observation, n—the process of obtaining information
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
regarding the presence or absence of an attribute of a test
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specimen, or of making a reading on a characteristic or
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
dimension of a test specimen.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.5.1 Discussion—Observation is also associated with the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
attribute or measurement information obtained from the pro-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
cess. The term “observed value” is preferred for this second
usage.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.6 observed value, n—the value obtained by making an
2.1 ASTM Standards:
observation.
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
3.1.7 ordinal scale, n—scale with ordered labeled
ASTM Test Methods
categories. ISO 3534–2
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
3 3.1.8 ratio scale, n—continuous scale with equal sized scale
2.2 ISO Standard:
values and an absolute or natural zero point. ISO 3534–2
ISO 3534–2 Statistics—Vocabulary and Symbols, Part 2:
3.1.8.1 Discussion—Ratio scales consist of only non-
Applied Statistics
negative values.
3.1.9 scale, n—system of reference values for a
3. Terminology
characteristic. ISO 3534–2
3.1 Definitions—For a more extensive list of terms in E11
3.1.10 test determination, n—the value of a characteristic or
standards, refer to Terminology E456.
dimension of a single test specimen derived from one or more
3.1.1 binary scale, n—nominal scale with only two possible
observed values.
categories.
3.1.11 test method, n—a definitive procedure that produces
a test result.
1 3.1.11.1 Discussion—Examples of test methods include, but
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E11 on Quality and
are not limited to: identification, measurement, and evaluation
Statistics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E11.20 on Test Method
Evaluation and Quality Control.
of one or more qualities, characteristics, or properties.
Current edition approved April 1, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally 2
ASTM Regulations 2.2.6
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as E2282 – 14 (2019).
DOI: 10.1520/E2282-14R23.
3.1.12 test observation, n—see observation.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3.1.13 test result, n—the value of a characteristic obtained
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
by carrying out a specified test method.
the ASTM website.
3.1.13.1 Discussion—The test method specifies that one or a
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
number of individual observations be made, and their average
la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
www.iso.ch. or another appropriate function, (such as the median or the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2282 − 14 (2023)
standard deviation), be reported as the test result. It can also 5.2.1 A nominal scale is an unordered categorical scale.
require standard corrections to be applied, such as correction of Examples include blood types (A, B, O) or categories of defect
gas volumes to standard temperature and pressure. Thus, a test types.
result can be a result calculated from several observed values. 5.2.1.1 A binary scale is the special case of a nominal scale
In the simple case, the test result is the observed value itself. with only two categories. An example is the presence or
ISO 3534–2 absence of some condition in a test specimen or in conducting
a test method, such as a pipe or glass breaking after an impact,
3.1.14 test specimen, n—the portion of a test unit needed to
a cigarette igniting a piece of fabric, or a light bulb turning on.
obtain a single test determination.
5.2.2 An ordinal scale is an ordered categorical scale. An
3.1.14.1 Discussion—When used for a physical test, this is
example is a rating scale comprising four categories: poor, fair,
sometimes called “test piece.” For a chemical test, it is
good, and excellent.
sometimes called test portion or test sample. For optical and
5.2.2.1 Worded categories may be assigned numbers, such
other tests, it is also sometimes called test sample. In interla-
as 1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = excellent.
boratory evaluation of test methods and other statistical
5.2.2.2 The differences in categories, whether in numbers or
procedures, it is best to reserve the word sample for the whole
labels, are not uniform and are often arbitrary or subjective.
amount of material involved and not the individual test
5.2.3 An interval scale is a numeric scale with an arbitrary
specimens, pieces or portions being tested.
zero. Such scales may consist of negative and positive
3.1.15 test unit, n—the total quantity of material (containing
numbers, rounded to a defined number of significant figures.
one or more test specimens) needed to obtain a test result as
An example is the Celsius scale for temperature where 0°C is
specified in the test method. (See test result.)
defined as the freezing point of water.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
5.2.3.1 Differences are meaningful on an interval scale. A
3.2.1 binary test result, n—a test result for which the final
difference of 10 degrees Celsius is the same change in
value is one of two possible categories.
temperature throughout the scale.
3.2.2 ordinal test result, n—a test result where the final
5.2.4 A ratio scale is a numeric scale with an absolute zero,
value is reported as one of the scale results on an ordinal scale.
and all values are non-negative numbers. Examples are the
length of an item or the temperature as measured on the Kelvin
4. Significance and Use
scale.
4.1 All test methods have an output in the form of a test
5.2.4.1 Ratios, as well as differences, are meaningful on a
result. This guide provides information on the construction of
ratio scale.
test results from more elemental measurements.
5.3 Other Types of Scales:
4.2 A well defined test result is necessary before any
5.3.1 A number of special types of scales may be con-
precision statements can be made about the test method.
structed or utilized. These may involve non-linear scales such
4.2.1 Form and Style for ASTM Standards, Section A21,
as logarithmic or power scales. Other situations may involve
requires that every test method shall contain a statement
censored numerical responses where values that would be
regarding its precision, preferably as a result of an interlabo-
below a lower limit, or above an upper limit, are not reported
ratory test program. Reporting of such studies is described in
numerically.
Practice E177, which illustrates the development of test results
from observations and test determinations.
6. Developing the Test Result
4.2.2 Precision statements for ASTM t
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2282 − 14 (Reapproved 2019) E2282 − 14 (Reapproved 2023)An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Defining the Test Result of a Test Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2282; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 The purpose of this guide is to provide guidelines for identifying the elements that comprise the test result of a test method
and to illustrate how these elements combine into the test result.
1.2 Types of measurement scales used for expressing observations and test results are discussed.
1.3 No system of units is specified in this standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 3534–2 Statistics—Vocabulary and Symbols, Part 2: Applied Statistics
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For a more extensive list of terms in E11 standards, refer to Terminology E456.
3.1.1 binary scale, n—nominal scale with only two possible categories.
3.1.2 characteristic, n—a property of items in a sample or population which, when measured, counted or otherwise observed,
helps to distinguish between the items.
3.1.3 interval scale, n—continuous scale or discrete scale with equal sized scale values and an arbitrary zero.
ISO 3534–2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E11 on Quality and Statistics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E11.20 on Test Method Evaluation
and Quality Control.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019April 1, 2023. Published April 2019April 2023. Originally approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 20142019 as
E2282 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/E2282-14R19.14 (2019). DOI: 10.1520/E2282-14R23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.ch.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2282 − 14 (2023)
3.1.4 nominal scale, n—scale with unordered labeled categories or ordered by convention. ISO 3534–2
3.1.5 observation, n—the process of obtaining information regarding the presence or absence of an attribute of a test specimen,
or of making a reading on a characteristic or dimension of a test specimen.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—
Observation is also associated with the attribute or measurement information obtained from the process. The term “observed value”
is preferred for this second usage.
3.1.6 observed value, n—the value obtained by making an observation.
3.1.7 ordinal scale, n—scale with ordered labeled categories. ISO 3534–2
3.1.8 ratio scale, n—continuous scale with equal sized scale values and an absolute or natural zero point. ISO 3534–2
3.1.8.1 Discussion—
Ratio scales consist of only non-negative values.
3.1.9 scale, n—system of reference values for a characteristic. ISO 3534–2
3.1.10 test determination, n—the value of a characteristic or dimension of a single test specimen derived from one or more
observed values.
3.1.11 test method, n—a definitive procedure that produces a test result.
3.1.11.1 Discussion—
Examples of test methods include, but are not limited to: identification, measurement, and evaluation of one or more qualities,
characteristics, or properties.
ASTM Regulations 2.2.6
3.1.12 test observation, n—see observation.
3.1.13 test result, n—the value of a characteristic obtained by carrying out a specified test method.
3.1.13.1 Discussion—
The test method specifies that one or a number of individual observations be made, and their average or another appropriate
function, (such as the median or the standard deviation), be reported as the test result. It can also require standard corrections to
be applied, such as correction of gas volumes to standard temperature and pressure. Thus, a test result can be a result calculated
from several observed values. In the simple case, the test result is the observed value itself. ISO 3534–2
3.1.14 test specimen, n—the portion of a test unit needed to obtain a single test determination.
3.1.14.1 Discussion—
When used for a physical test, this is sometimes called “test piece.” For a chemical test, it is sometimes called test portion or test
sample. For optical and other tests, it is also sometimes called test sample. In interlaboratory evaluation of test methods and other
statistical procedures, it is best to reserve the word sample for the whole amount of material involved and not the individual test
specimens, pieces or portions being tested.
3.1.15 test unit, n—the total quantity of material (containing one or more test specimens) needed to obtain a test result as specified
in the test method. (See test result.)
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 binary test result, n—a test result for which the final value is one of two possible categories.
3.2.2 ordinal test result, n—a test result where the final value is reported as one of the scale results on an ordinal scale.
E2282 − 14 (2023)
4. Significance and Use
4.1 All test methods have an output in the form of a test result. This guide provides information on the construction of test results
from more elemental measurements.
4.2 A well defined test result is necessary before any precision statements can be made about the test method.
4.2.1 Form and Style for ASTM Standards, Section A21, requires that every test method shall contain a statement regarding its
precision, preferably as a result of an interlaboratory test program. Reporting of such studies is described in Practice E177, which
illustrates the development of test results from observations and test determinations.
4.2.2 Precision statements for ASTM test methods are applicable to test results. They are not applicable to test determinations or
observations, unless specifically and clearly indicated otherwise.
5. Scales
5.1 The test method must clearly identify the scale for measuring the test observations and reporting the test results. Measurement
scales are classified into various types. The primary classification is into numerical or categorical scales. Numerical scales, also
known as quantitative scales, are established in terms of a defined numerical range with specified scale divisions. Categorical
scales, also known as qualitative scales, are defined in terms of words, but the categories may be assigned numbers for purposes
of data analysis.
5.2 Measurement scales may be sub-classified into a hierarchal system denoted as nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales as
follows:
5.2.1 A nominal scale is an unordered categorical scale. Examples include blood types (A, B, O) or categories of defect types.
5.2.1.1 A binary scale is the special case of a nominal scale with only two categories. An example is the presence or absence of
some condition in a test specimen or in conducting a test method, such as a pipe or glass breaking after an impact, a cigarette
igniting a piece of fabric, or a light bulb turning on.
5.2.2 An ordinal scale is an ordered categorical scale. An example is a rating scale comprising four categories: poor, fair, good,
and excellent.
5.2.2.1 Worded categories may be assigned numbers, such as 1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = excellent.
5.2.2.2 The differences in categories, whether in numbers or labels, are not uniform and are often arbitrary or subjective.
5.2.3 An interval scale i
...
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