Data Presentation, Distributions and Sampling

The problem of handling results obtained from experiments and investigations deserves serious consideration because of the need to present the results in the simplest possible way yet retain the essential information. In general it may be said that the object of a report about an investigation or series of tests is to focus attention on the fact that a system is either functioning correctly or incorrectly. Coupled with the report will be data and it is the purpose of this chapter to examine some of the ways of presenting information to achieve the best effects. It includes some simple ideas about sampling and statistical procedures, since these are designed to turn the attention from the individual measurement and to focus it on the subject or process as a whole.