ASTM E2282-23

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 This standard provides 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 19.020 - Test conditions and procedures in general
• Technical Committee: E11 - Quality and Statistics
• Drafting Committee: E11.20 - Test Method Evaluation and Quality Control

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2282-14(2023) - Standard Guide for Defining the Test Result of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Referred By: ASTM E2709-23 - Standard Practice for Demonstrating Capability to Comply with an Acceptance Procedure
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E1488-23 - Standard Guide for Statistical Procedures to Use in Developing and Applying Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM F3263-17 - Standard Guide for Packaging Test Method Validation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E2554-18e1 - Standard Practice for Estimating and Monitoring the Uncertainty of Test Results of a Test Method Using Control Chart Techniques
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D4821-20 - Standard Guide for Carbon Black-Validation of Test Method Precision and Bias
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E2586-19e1 - Standard Practice for Calculating and Using Basic Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E3264-21 - Standard Guide for Homogeneity of Samples and Reference Materials Used for Inter- and Intra-Laboratory Studies
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C168-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E1169-21 - Standard Practice for Conducting Ruggedness Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1720-21 - Standard Test Methods for Determining Liquidus Temperature of Waste Glasses and Simulated Waste Glasses
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E456-13a(2022) - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E2935-21 - Standard Practice for Evaluating Equivalence of Two Testing Processes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E691-23 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM E2282-23: Standard Guide for Defining the Test Result of a Test Method is a guidance document published by ASTM International. This standard offers essential guidelines for identifying and defining the elements that with comprise a test result within any test method. It outlines how elemental observations and measurements are systematically combined to yield a final, reportable test result. The guide addresses various types of measurement scales used in test methods, offering clarity on their selection and reporting. Precise definitions and proper construction of test results are critical for achieving accurate precision statements in accordance with ASTM's requirements.

Key Topics

ASTM E2282-23 addresses several foundational concepts related to test results, including:

• Test Result Definition: Details the process for structuring a test result from underlying observed values and test determinations.
• Measurement Scales: Explains different scales for reporting test results:
  • Nominal scale (unordered categories, e.g., defect types)
  • Binary scale (special case of nominal, e.g., pass/fail results)
  • Ordinal scale (ordered categories, e.g., ratings such as good, better, best)
  • Interval scale (numeric with arbitrary zero, e.g., Celsius temperature)
  • Ratio scale (numeric with absolute zero, e.g., mass, length)
• Construction Workflow:
  • Observation: Collecting raw measurement or classification data
  • Test Determination: Summarizing or mathematically combining observations, either as single values or aggregate functions (like averages)
  • Test Result: Reporting the value derived per the method’s specified calculation protocol
• Significance of Clear Test Results:
  • Only well-defined test results enable meaningful statements about precision or bias.
  • Required for interlaboratory comparisons and compliance with reporting standards.
• Reporting and Precision:
  • Emphasis on the importance of linking precision statements specifically to test results, not raw observations or preliminary determinations.

Applications

ASTM E2282-23 is applicable across numerous sectors and laboratory environments that utilize standardized test methods, including:

• Materials Testing: Defining test results for mechanical, physical, or chemical properties like tensile strength, density, or composition.
• Quality Control & Assurance: Ensuring consistent, interpretable, and comparable results within and between laboratories.
• Product Acceptance: Clarifying criteria for batch acceptance/rejection decisions based on statistical aggregation of test determinations.
• Statistical Reporting: Supporting accurate statistical evaluation by distinguishing between raw data, intermediate determinations, and final test results.
• Interlaboratory Studies: Structuring data reporting for collaborative studies to evaluate method reproducibility and repeatability.

Adopting these guidelines helps organizations generate reliable and standardized test results that satisfy regulatory, customer, and inter-industry requirements.

Related Standards

For the effective implementation of ASTM E2282-23, reference to related standards is recommended:

• ASTM E177 – Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E456 – Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• ISO 3534-2 – Statistics – Vocabulary and Symbols, Part 2: Applied Statistics

These documents provide additional definitions, practices, and statistical concepts integral to quality control, laboratory testing, and standards development.

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Keywords: ASTM E2282-23, test result, test method, measurement scales, nominal scale, binary scale, ordinal scale, interval scale, ratio scale, laboratory testing, quality control, precision, observation, test determination, measurement standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

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 − 23 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 3.1.3 characteristic, n—a property of items in a sample or
population which, when measured, counted or otherwise
1.1 This standard provides guidelines for identifying the
observed, helps to distinguish between the items.
elements that comprise the test result of a test method and to
illustrate how these elements combine into the test result. 3.1.4 interval scale, n—continuous scale or discrete scale
with equal sized scale values and an arbitrary zero.
1.2 Types of measurement scales used for expressing obser-
ISO 3534–2
vations and test results are discussed.
3.1.5 nominal scale, n—scale with unordered labeled cat-
1.3 No system of units is specified in this standard.
egories or ordered by convention. ISO 3534–2
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.6 observation, n—the process of obtaining information
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
regarding the presence or absence of an attribute of a test
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
specimen, or of making a reading on a characteristic or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
dimension of a test specimen.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.6.1 Discussion—Observation is also associated with the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
attribute or measurement information obtained from the pro-
cess. The term “observed value” is preferred for this second
2. Referenced Documents
usage.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.7 observed value, n—the value obtained by making an
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
observation.
ASTM Test Methods
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
3.1.8 ordinal scale, n—scale with ordered labeled
2.2 ISO Standard: categories. ISO 3534–2
ISO 3534–2 Statistics—Vocabulary and Symbols, Part 2:
3.1.9 ordinal test result, n—a test result where the final
Applied Statistics
value is reported as one of the scale results on an ordinal scale.
3.1.10 ratio scale, n—continuous scale with equal sized
3. Terminology
scale values and an absolute or natural zero point. ISO 3534–2
3.1 Definitions—Unless otherwise noted in this standard, all
3.1.10.1 Discussion—Ratio scales consist of only non-
terms relating to quality and statistics are defined in Terminol-
negative values.
ogy E456.
3.1.11 scale, n—system of reference values for a
3.1.1 binary scale, n—nominal scale with only two possible
characteristic. ISO 3534–2
categories.
3.1.12 test determination, n—the value of a characteristic or
3.1.2 binary test result, n—a test result for which the final
dimension of a single test specimen derived from one or more
value is one of two possible categories.
observed values.
1 3.1.13 test method, n—a definitive procedure that produces
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
a test result.
Evaluation and Quality Control.
3.1.13.1 Discussion—Examples of test methods include, but
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally
are not limited to: identification, measurement, and evaluation
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as E2282 – 14 (2023).
of one or more qualities, characteristics, or properties.
DOI: 10.1520/E2282-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ASTM Regulations 2.2.6
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.1.14 test observation, n—see observation.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3.1.15 test result, n—the value of a characteristic obtained
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
by carrying out a specified test method.
la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
www.iso.ch. 3.1.15.1 Discussion—The test method specifies that one or a
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2282 − 23
number of individual observations be made, and their average 5.2.1 A nominal scale is an unordered categorical scale.
or another appropriate function, (such as the median or the Examples include blood types (A, B, O) or categories of defect
standard deviation), be reported as the test result. It can also types.
require standard corrections to be applied, such as correction of 5.2.1.1 A binary scale is the special case of a nominal scale
gas volumes to standard temperature and pressure. Thus, a test with only two categories. An example is the presence or
result can be a result calculated from several observed values. absence of some condition in a test specimen or in conducting
In the simple case, the test result is the observed value itself. a test method, such as a pipe or glass breaking after an impact,
ISO 3534–2 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
3.1.16 test specimen, n—the portion of a test unit needed to
example is a rating scale comprising four categories: poor, fair,
obtain a single test determination.
good, and excellent.
3.1.16.1 Discussion—When used for a physical test, this is
5.2.2.1 Worded categories may be assigned numbers, such
sometimes called “test piece.” For a chemical test, it is
as 1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = excellent.
sometimes called test portion or test sample. For optical and
5.2.2.2 The differences in categories, whether in numbers or
other tests, it is also sometimes called test sample. In interla-
labels, are not uniform and are often arbitrary or subjective.
boratory evaluation of test methods and other statistical
5.2.3 An interval scale is a numeric scale with an arbitrary
procedures, it is best to reserve the word sample for the whole
zero. Such scales may consist of negative and positive
amount of material involved and not the individual test
numbers, rounded to a defined number of significant figures.
specimens, pieces or portions being tested.
An example is the Celsius scale for temperature where 0 °C is
3.1.17 test unit, n—the total quantity of material (containing defined as the freezing point of water.
one or more test specimens) needed to obtain a test result as
5.2.3.1 Differences are meaningful on an interval scale. A
specified in the test method. (See test result.) difference of 10 °C is the same change in temperature through-
out the scale.
4. Significance and Use 5.2.4 A ratio scale is a numeric scale with an absolute zero,
and all values are non-negative numbers. Examples are the
4.1 All test methods have an output in the form of a test
length of an item or the temperature as measured on the Kelvin
result. This guide provides information on the construction of
scale.
test results from more elemental measurements.
5.2.4.1 Ratios, as well as differences, are meaningful on a
4.2 A well-defined test result is necessary before any preci-
ratio scale.
sion statements can be made about the test method.
5.3 Other Types of Scales:
4.2.1 Form and Style for ASTM Standards, Section A21,
5.3.1 A number of special types of scales may be con-
requires that every test method shall contain a statement
structed or utilized. These may involve non-linear scales such
regarding its precision, preferably as a result of an interlabo-
as logarithmic or power scales. Other situations may involve
ratory test program. Reporting of such studies is described in
censored numerical responses where values that would be
Practice E177, which illustrates the development of test results
below a lower limit, or above an upper limit, are not reported
from observations and test determinations.
numerically.
...

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 2023) E2282 − 23 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 This standard provides 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 —Unless otherwise noted in this standard, all terms
relating to quality and statistics are defined in Terminology E456.
3.1.1 binary scale, n—nominal scale with only two possible categories.
3.1.2 binary test result, n—a test result for which the final value is one of two possible categories.
3.1.3 characteristic, n—a property of items in a sample or population which, when measured, counted or otherwise observed,
helps to distinguish between the items.
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, 2023Nov. 1, 2023. Published April 2023November 2023. Originally approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 20192023 as
E2282 – 14 (2019). DOI: 10.1520/E2282-14R23.(2023). DOI: 10.1520/E2282-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. 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 − 23
3.1.4 interval scale, n—continuous scale or discrete scale with equal sized scale values and an arbitrary zero.
ISO 3534–2
3.1.5 nominal scale, n—scale with unordered labeled categories or ordered by convention. ISO 3534–2
3.1.6 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.
3.1.6.1 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.
3.1.7 observed value, n—the value obtained by making an observation.
3.1.8 ordinal scale, n—scale with ordered labeled categories. ISO 3534–2
3.1.9 ordinal test result, n—a test result where the final value is reported as one of the scale results on an ordinal scale.
3.1.10 ratio scale, n—continuous scale with equal sized scale values and an absolute or natural zero point. ISO 3534–2
3.1.10.1 Discussion—
Ratio scales consist of only non-negative values.
3.1.11 scale, n—system of reference values for a characteristic. ISO 3534–2
3.1.12 test determination, n—the value of a characteristic or dimension of a single test specimen derived from one or more
observed values.
3.1.13 test method, n—a definitive procedure that produces a test result.
3.1.13.1 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
3.1.14 test observation, n—see observation.
3.1.15 test result, n—the value of a characteristic obtained by carrying out a specified test method.
3.1.15.1 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
3.1.16 test specimen, n—the portion of a test unit needed to obtain a single test determination.
3.1.16.1 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.
3.1.17 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.
E2282 − 23
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.
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 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
...