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Histogram
Pg. 1 of 5
Getting Ready
As with all the analytical tools presented in this workbook, a good histogram starts with good data.
The data that we need is any set of measurement )f a continuous variable such as time, weight,
length, volume, temperature, ohms, tensile strength, percent of an impurity, etc. Histograms can also
be constructed based on counts of discrete counts such as number of defects per unit, number of
items in a container, number of tasks completed per hour, etc. Of course, you cannot mix different
units of measure on a single histogram.
Since a team often needs to later produce stratified histograms for a thorough analysis, it pays to
spend some time thinking about the other information you may need for future stratification.
Imagine the factors that might result in different histogram patterns - different machines, times of
day, input conditions, etc. (See the chapter on Stratification in this workbook for more information
on this topic.)
If you decide to use sample data (i.e., because it is impractical to measure every item), use the largest
sample size possible, consistent with budget and time constraints. Unless your team has access to
statistical expertise for data analysis, we recommend that you use a sample size of at least 30
measurements in constructing a histogram. If more than one histogram may be constructed, 30
observations are needed for each one. If you have at least eight data points, but fewer than 30, you
can use the "box plot" to display and analyze the data.
Sometimes, the data you need already exists in routine inspections, log books, or as the result of a
special study. If the data does not exist, your team should develop a method for gathering it.
To be successful in constructing and analyzing histograms, your data must be:
Histogram
Pg. 2 of 5
On the table of raw data, determine the high value, the low value, and the
range.
The table of amplifier gain data is shown below, with the high and low values in bold. The range of
the data is simply the difference between the high and low value. In our example, the range is 3.9
dB.
10.4
8.9
8.4
8.0
9.7
9.1
8.5
10.6
9.8
10.1
8.8
10.1
9.6
7.9
8.7
10.1
9.2
8.6
8.5
9.6
9.7
7.8
9.9 11.7
9.4
9.2
7.9
9.5
11.1
7.9
8.5
8.7
8.3
8.7 10.0
9.4
8.2
8.9
8.6
9.5
7.8
8.1
8.8
8.0
8.7 10.2
7.9
9.8
9.4
8.8
8.2 10.5
8.9
9.1
8.4
8.1
8.3
8.0
9.8
9.0
Range = high low = 3.9db
8.0
10.9
7.8
9.0
9.4
9.2
8.3
9.7
9.5
8.9
9.3
7.8
10.5
9.2
8.8
8.4
9.0
9.1
8.7
8.1
9.0
8.3
8.5
10.7
8.3
7.8
9.6
8.0
9.3
9.7
Recommended Number of
Histogram Cells
Number of
Recommended
Data Points
Number of Cells
20*-50
6
51-100
7
101-200
8
201-500
9
501-1000
10
Over 1000
11-20
Histogram
Pg. 3 of 5
Tally
//// //// //// //// ////
//// //// //// //// //// ///
//// //// //// //// //// /
//// //// //// ////
//// //// //
//// //
//
//
Total
24
28
26
19
12
7
2
2
120
Histogram
Pg. 4 of 5
Step 9: Draw in the bars to represent the number of data points in each cell.
The height of the bars should be equal to the number of data points
in that cell, as measured on the
vertical axis.
Step 10: Title the chart, indicate the total number of data points, and show nominal
values and limits (if applicable).
You may also wish to add other notes describing further the subject of the measurements and the
conditions under which they were taken. These notes help others interpret the chart, and they serve
as a record of the source of the data.
Histogram
Pg. 5 of 5
Step 12: Develop a plausible and relevant explanation for the pattern.
Your interpretation must be based on your team's knowledge and observation of the specific
situation. Also, remember to confirm your theories through additional data gathering and
observation.