> >From experience as a research physicist for eleven years, be very
> careful when using ANY of the statistical approaches.
I don't think anyone is suggesting otherwise. My whole point was that one
has to think carefully about ones testing methodology, and the conclusions
drawn.
> The assumptions
> and boundary conditions are critical. I say this for the benefit of
> anyone wishing to experiment with any new process.
Exactly.
> The best method is as Judy suggests. Investigate one parameter at a
> time.
But like I said before, don't ignore testing for correlation between
variables. This is a very common mistake.
> The multitude of variations can be reduced by making some careful
> assumptions to eliminate variables.
Yes, and that is exactly what the statisticians mean by the term
"experimental design".
> For example, include all the
> ingredients necessary to make a gum print. It's nonsense to leave
> something out.
Noone said otherwise.
- Wayde
(wallen@boulder.nist.gov)