NIST TN 1297: 3. Type A Evaluation of Standard Uncertainty

A Type A evaluation of standard uncertainty may be based on any valid statistical method for treating data. Examples are calculating the standard deviation of the mean of a series of independent observations [see Appendix A, Eq. (A-5)]; using the method of least squares to fit a curve to data in order to estimate the parameters of the curve and their standard deviations; and carrying out an analysis of variance (ANOVA) in order to identify and quantify random effects in certain kinds of measurements. If the measurement situation is especially complicated, one should consider obtaining the guidance of a statistician. The NIST staff can consult and collaborate in the development of statistical experiment designs, analysis of data, and other aspects of the evaluation of measurements with the Statistical Engineering Division, Computing and Applied Mathematics Laboratory. Inasmuch as this Technical Note does not attempt to give detailed statistical techniques for carrying out Type A evaluations, references [4-7], and reference [8] in which a general approach to quality control of measurement systems is set forth, should be consulted for basic principles and additional references.