1. Which type of variation occurs when a process is in control?

1. Random
2. Attribute
3. Normal
4. Sampling
5. Assignable

2. Which term is most closely associated with the term , "sampling distribution"?
1. 100% Inspection
2. On-site inspection
3. Quality at Source
4. Control Chart

3. What type of control chart would be used to monitor the number of defects in the output of a process for making
bearings?
1. x-bar
2. c-chart
3. pie-chart
4. R-chart

4. Control charts can only be created for numerical data.

1. True
2. False

5. The p chart is a control chart used for monitoring the number of items in a batch that meet given
specifications.

6. A repeated series of high measures followed by repeated low measures is probably attributable to a new
manager.

7. In situations where work continues around the clock in shifts, it would not be unusual to see a pattern of
oscillation in a control chart.

8. A random sample of 200 rods from a process with a mean of 25 feet produced a sample mean of 25.01 feet
and a standard deviation of 0.012. This difference between the process mean and the sample mean is likely to be
common cause variation.

9. Industry often refers to special cause variation as chance variation.

10. Variations in process output that can usually be identified and eliminated without changing the process are
special cause variations.

11. In the case of a normal distribution, there is no finite range that contains 100% of the
values, hence, the range containing ______ of the values is taken as the benchmark.
1. 99.73%
2. 99.99%
3. 99.10%
4. 99.919
12. How can you effectively identify the various variables of an experiment?

13. Assignable variations can be managed

 a. True
b. False
14. What does LSL mean in Control charts?

15. Give the formula used for calculating Cpk

16. The Bell-Shaped curved is also an example of a ___________ distribution

a. Symmetric
b. Asymmetric

17. Frequency Distributions can be used to examine SPC data

a. True
b. False
18.
19.

20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.

Control charts can

only be created
for numerical
data.

A) True

B) False

2 CORRECT The p chart is a control chart used for monitoring the number of items in a batch that
meet given specifications.

A) True

B) False

3 INCORRECT A repeated series of high measures followed by repeated low measures is probably
attributable to a new manager.

A) True

B) False
4 CORRECT In situations where work continues around the clock in shifts, it would not be unusual
to see a pattern of oscillation in a control chart.

A) True

B) False

5 CORRECT A random sample of 200 rods from a process with a mean of 25 feet produced a
sample mean of 25.01 feet and a standard deviation of 0.012. This difference between
the process mean and the sample mean is likely to be common cause variation.

A) True

B) False

6 INCORRECT Industry often refers to special cause variation as chance variation.

A) True

B) False

7 INCORRECT Variations in process output that can usually be identified and eliminated without
changing the process are special cause variations.

A) True

B) False

8 CORRECT In general, as long as common cause variation is absent and special cause variation
remains within acceptable limits, the process is deemed to be stable, or in statistical
control.

A) True

B) False

9 The control chart is the statistical method used to detect a process gone out of control.
UNANSWERED
A) True

B) False

10 The p-chart is an example of control charts for attributes.

UNANSWERED

A) True

B) False

11 A process capability index (Cp) of 2.0 describes a production process where the
UNANSWERED specification limits are equal to 3 standard deviations above and below the mean.

A) True

B) False
12 CORRECT Variations in output that are caused by specific temporary events such as machine
malfunction are

A) special causes.

B) common causes.

C) out of control causes.

D) All of the above.

13 Variations in process output that are caused by a number of randomly occurring events
INCORRECT that are part of the production process are

A) special causes.

B) common causes.

C) out of control causes.

D) All of the above.

14 When the only sources of variation in a production process are caused by chance, the
INCORRECT process is said to be

A) out of balance but under control.

B) out of control but in balance.

C) under control.

D) out of control.

15 In statistical process control, a Type I error occurs if we decide that the process is
INCORRECT
A) under control when it is out of control.

B) out of control when it is under control.

C) under control when it is under control.

D) out of control when it is out of control.

16 CORRECT When no point lies outside the control limits of a chart, we conclude that variation in
the process is
due to special causes and there is not enough evidence to infer that the
A) process is out of control.
due to special causes and there is enough evidence to infer that the process is
B) under control.
due to common cause and there is enough evidence to infer that the process
C) is out of control.
due to common cause and there is not enough evidence to infer that the
D) process is out of control.

17 When a change has occurred in the mean of the process distribution, the result is
UNANSWERED referred to as
 A) a level shift.

B) instability.

C) a cycle.

D) a trend.

18 If the control limits of an chart are set at 2 standard errors from the centerline
UNANSWERED instead of the commonly used 3 standard errors, this will result in

A) a decrease in the probability of Type I and Type II error.

B) an increase in the probability of Type I and Type II error.

a decrease in the probability of Type I and an increase in the probability of
C) Type II error.
an increase in the probability of Type I and a decrease in the probability of
D) Type II error.

19 CORRECT To tell if the standard deviation of a process has changed, the control charts used are

A) and p charts

B) p and R charts

C) R and S charts

D) S and charts

20 When the results of a process are either defective or acceptable the charts used for
INCORRECT SPC are called

A) control charts for attributes.

B) control charts for variables.

C) control charts for in control process.

D) control charts for out of control process

21 CORRECT If the lower control limit for a p chart is negative, we set it equal to

A) 2.

B) 1.

C) 0.

D) .

22 CORRECT Forty samples of size 800 were drawn from a manufacturing process and the number
of defectives in each sample was counted. The mean sample proportion was 0.035.
The lower control limit for the p chart is

A) 0.0350.
 B) 0.0155.

C) 0.0505.

D) 0.0545.

In the case of a normal distribution, there is no finite range that contains 100% of the values, hence,
the range containing ______ of the values is taken as the benchmark.

• 99.73%

• 99.99%

• 99.10%

• 99.919

How can you effectively identify the various variables of an experiment?

By using the Cause and effect diagram

Assignable variations can be managed

• True

• False

The Bell-Shaped curved is also an example of a ___________ distribution

• Symmetric

• Asymmetric

The binomial distribution model describes __________ sampling

• Random

• Acceptance

• 100%

• Binomial
A

Frequency Distributions can be used to examine SPC data

• True

• False

Identifying the input variables, intermediate variables, noise variables, and response variables is a
critical step in any experiment

• True

• False

The tensile strength of a welded joint used in construction has to be at least equal to 40 tons per
square inch (ton/in.2). A random sample of 100 joints welded by a welding machine yielded the
following estimates of the parameters of the distribution of the tensile strengths: Mean = 65 ton/in2.
Standard deviation = 8.2 ton/ in2..

1.012

Probabilistic relationship yields tolerances that are smaller than the tolerances obtained using the
additive relationship.

• True

• False

Compute the Cpk index for the process for which the lower and upper specification limits are 4 and
16, respectively; the nominal size is 10.0; and the standard deviation of all three processes, σ, is 1.5.
The Cp indexes for process is equal to 1.33.

• 1.333

• 4

• 2.333

• 16

A
Give the formula used for calculating Cpk
Cpk =Minimum [ USL – μ, μ- LSL]/ 3σ

QC tools are also called as _______ tools

• Problem Solving

• Problem Identification

• Problem Creation

• None of the above

Temperature fluctuation is an example of Assignable cause

• True

Process capability analysis relates the mean and the variance of tolerance/the distribution of a quality
characteristic to the specification limits and gives numerical measures of the extent to which the
above conditions are met.

• True

• False

True

What does LSL mean in Control charts?

LSL means Lower Specification Limit

Central Limit Theorem is true only for _____ values of k.

• Small

• Large

• Equal

http://www.geekinterview.com/quiz/review/5/540.html
http://maaw.info/Chapter3PartII.htm#The SPC Concept

In developing a control chart, the analyst recognizes that there are two types of variation in a
system. One type of variation is produced by common causes and the other type is generated
by special causes. Explain the difference.

30. Why is it important for management to know whether a variation in performance came
from common causes or special causes?

31. Why are control charts developed using sample means?

32. Why do we need both X-bar and R control charts?

33. Does an observation (i.e., sample mean) plotted outside the control limits necessarily
indicate a special cause? Explain.

34. How do confidence intervals differ from the upper and lower limits of a control chart?

35. Discuss the two types or errors connected with the use of control charts. What type do you
think managers tend to make more often? Why.

36. To say that a system is stable means that the performance of the system is predictable
within a specified range. Explain this statement.

37. Does a stable system mean that the system is efficient? Explain.

38. How can control charts be used to promote continuous improvement of a system?

39. Think of some practical applications of the control chart you could use to monitor your
health, the performance of your car, or the performance of some other system you come in
contact with in your daily life.

40. Is the control chart methodology a top down or a bottom up approach? Explain.
1. Using the terminology of statistical control charts, a stable system means that the variation
within the system is
a. random. b. controllable. c. in control. d. a and c. e. b and c.

2. Normally the area within 3S control limits on an X-bar control chart

a. measures the variation in the mean resulting from common causes.
b. measures the variation in the mean resulting from special causes.
c. represents approximately 95% of the area under a normal curve.
d. a and c.
e. b and c.

3. Which of the following individuals developed the concept of statistical control?

a. Walter A. Shewhart. b. W. Edwards Deming. c. Robert S. Kaplan.
d. Edwin W. Gaynor. e. None of these.

4. When using a statistical control chart, a point outside the control limits is attributed to
a. common or random causes. b. assignable or special causes.
c. a problem caused by the system. d. a and c. e. b and c.

5. Statistical control charts are frequently developed for sample means, rather than individual
observations to avoid the problem of
a. non normality. b. autocorrelation c. non linearity.
d. range variations. e. heteroscedasticity.

6. Using the control chart methodology, when a system is said to be stable, this means
a. that the system is efficient.
b. that the variation within the system is controllable.
c. that the variation within the system is predictable.
d. that the performance of the system is improving.
e. none of these.

7. The control limits on a control chart based on the grand mean ±3S include
a. all of the variation resulting from common causes.
b. all of the variation resulting from special causes.
c. over 99% of the variation resulting from common causes.
d. over 99% of the variation resulting from special causes.
e. none of these.

8. The center line on an X-bar control chart is

a. the mean of the sample means.
b. the mean of the predicted values.
c. the mean of the sample standard deviations.
 d. the standard deviation of the sample means.
e. the standard deviation of the sample observations.

9. An example of a type I error is where a worker is blamed for a problem caused by the
system. An example of a type II error is where the system is blamed for a problem that is not
caused by the system. If the control limits were changed from ±3S to ±2S, which of the
following would tend to occur?
a. Type I errors would increase while type II errors would decrease.
b. Type II errors would increase while type I errors would decrease.
c. Both types of errors would increase.
d. Both types of errors would decrease.
e. More information is needed to answer this question.

10. In which type of company would the statistical process control methodology tend to be
used by individual workers?
a. A company that embraces the individualistic model of capitalism.
b. A company that embraces the communitarian model of capitalism.
c. Both a or b equally.
d. Neither a or b.

1. Using the terminology of statistical control, the variation within a stable system
a. is random variation.
b. results from common causes.
c. is predictable within a range.
d. a and b.
e. all of the above.

2. Using the terminology of statistical control, the variation outside the control limits on an X-
bar or range chart
a. is viewed as uncontrollable.
b. is assumed to have been caused by special or assignable causes.
c. indicates that the system is probably out of control.
d. b and c.
e. all of the above.

3. One type of error a manager can make is to blame a worker for an undesirable variation that
is caused by the system. Refer to this as a type I error. Another type of error a manager can
make is to blame the system when a worker caused the undesirable variation. Refer to this as a
type II error. If a company changed the basis for the upper and lower limits on a control chart
from three standard deviations to two standard deviations
a. the number of type I errors would increase.
b. the number of type II errors would increase.
 c. the number of both types of errors would increase.
d. the number of both types of errors would decrease.
e. there is no basis for choosing an answer.

4. One type of error a manager can make is to blame a worker for an undesirable variation that
is caused by the system. Refer to this as a type I error. Another type of error a manager can
make is to blame the system when a worker caused the undesirable variation. Refer to this as a
type II error. If a company changed the basis for the upper and lower limits on a control chart
from two standard deviations to three standard deviations
a. the number of type I errors would increase.
b. the number of type II errors would increase.
c. the number of both types of errors would increase.
d. the number of both types of errors would decrease.
e. there is no basis for choosing an answer.

5. Using the terminology associated with statistical process control (SPC), the variation within
a stable system is
a. predictable within a range of values.
b. controllable.
c. in control.
d. a and b.
e. a and c.

6. Using the terminology associated with SPC, the variations resulting from common causes
are attributed to
a. an out of control situation which should be investigated.
b. an in control situation which should not be investigated.
c. an out of control situation which should not be investigated.
d. an in control situation which should be investigated.
e. none of the above.

7. Using the terminology of statistical process control, a variation caused by the system is
a. common cause variation.
b. assignable cause variation.
c. special cause variation.
d. a and b.
e. b. and c.

8. Using the terminology of statistical process control, a variation that indicates that the system
may be out of control is
a. common cause variation.
b. assignable cause variation.
 c. special cause variation.
d. a and b.
e. b. and c.

9. Using the terminology of statistical process control (SPC), Type I errors are where common
cause variation is treated as assignable cause variation. Type II errors are where assignable
cause variation is treated as common cause variation. Which of the situations below would
minimize type II errors?
a. Use SPC charts where the limits are based on 3 standard deviations.
b. Use SPC charts where the limits are based on 2 standard deviations.
c. Use SPC charts where the limits are based on 1 standard deviation.
d. Use budget comparisons against actual results without using the concept of SPC.

10. Which of the situations below would minimize type I errors?

a. Use SPC charts where the limits are based on 3 standard deviations.
b. Use SPC charts where the limits are based on 2 standard deviations.
c. Use SPC charts where the limits are based on 1 standard deviation.
d. Use budget comparisons against actual results without using the concept of SPC.

11. Using the terminology of statistical process control (SPC), a stable system is
a. efficient.
b. predictable.
c. in control.
d. b and c.
e. All of the above.

12. In general, finding and correcting an assignable cause variation

a. represents an improvement in the system.
b. returns the system from an unstable to a stable state.
c. represents a type I error.
d. a and b.
e. b. and c.

13. Conceptually, control requires

a. standards.
b. a stable system.
c. statistically established limits.
d. a. and b.
e. b. and c.

14. Statistically, an improvement in a system is defined as

a. an improvement in the mean outcome.
 b. a decrease in the system variability.
c. a correction of an assignable cause.
d. a and b.
e. all of the above.

15. When using the SPC methodology, a system is said to be stable when
a. the system is efficient.
b. the mean and range of variation caused by the system are controllable.
c. the mean and range of variation caused by the system are predictable.
d. the performance of the system is improving.
e. none of these.

16. When using a statistical control chart (SPC), a point outside the control limits is attributed
to
a. common or random causes.
b. assignable or special causes.
c. a problem caused by the system.
d. a and c.
e. b and c.

17. A predictable range of variation in the output of a particular worker occurs on a routine
basis. This variation represents
a. common cause variation and is uncontrollable.
b. common cause variation and is controllable.
c. assignable cause variation and is uncontrollable.
d. assignable cause variation and is controllable.
e. none of these.

Two Types of Errors

The purpose of developing an X-bar control chart is to provide a way for the analyst to decide
when a cost or process mean is in control or out of control. However, the analyst can make
two types of errors:

A Type I error is when a random (common) variation is attributed to a special cause, e.g.,
hold a worker responsible for a problem caused by the system.
A Type II error is when a variation resulting from a special cause is attributed to a common
cause, i.e., treated as a random variation.

The analyst can always avoid one type of error or the other, but not both simultaneously, i.e.,
by continuously avoiding one type of error, the analyst would make the other type of error as
often as possible.16 Using ±3 standard deviations in determining the control limits is an attempt
to minimize the combined costs of the two types of errors. In general, control limits based on
±3S are used when the cost of investigation is high relative to the possible losses that will
result if the process is out of control. If the cost of investigation is low relative to the possible
losses from an out of control situation, then the limits could be set at ±2S rather ±3S. This
would increase the number of type I errors, but reduce the number of type II errors.

http://nettopdf.info/en/ebook/Statistical%20process%20control%20SPC%20Manual-1.html

• 1.What does the phrase �in control� mean with respect to processes?

A. An in-control process is one in which the proportion of output that is defective falls
within the agreed-upon range
B. An in-control process is one in which the process width (i.e., 6σ ) is substantially wider
than the specification width (i.e., the upper specification limit minus the lower specification
limit)
C. An in-control process is statistically stable; it is free of assignable or non-random
variation
D. An in-control process is statistically stable; it is free of unassignable or random variation
E. None of these is correct

• 2.The purpose of control charts is to:

A. Estimate the proportion of output that is acceptable

B. Weed out defective items
 C. Determine if the output is within tolerances/specifications
D. Distinguish between random variation and non-random variation in the process
E. None of these

• 3.The most important parameter in statistical quality control is the:

A. Mean
B. Range
C. Variance
D. Proportion
E. Bar chart

• 4.The statistician who invented the control chart for use in industrial quality control was:

A. Deming
B. Taguchi
C. Pareto
D. Shewhart
E. None of the above

• 5.The chart which aggregates poor quality outcomes to show management which are the most
important problems is the:

A. S chart
B. Pareto chart
C. R chart
D. X-bar chart
E. Taguchi chart

• 6.Control chart limits for a measured characteristic have been calculated as follows (assume a
sample size of n = 5):

UCLx-bar = 218.45 UCLR = 12.90

LCLx-bar = 208.45 LCLR = 0

Suppose a sample has been drawn consisting of the following observations:

222.8 219.8 213.7 209.3 219.6

If we base our conclusions solely on the information in this sample, what should be concluded about
this process, and why?

A. This process is out of control; the sample range exceeds the control limits for R
B. This process is out of control; the sample average exceeds the control limits for x-bar
C. This process is out of control; both the sample average and the sample range exceed their
control limits
D. This process is out of control; several observations fall outside the control limits for x-bar
E. This process is in control; both the sample average and the sample range are within their
respective control limits

• 7.In statistical process control, p-charts are used to signal assignable variation that is affecting the
___________:

A. Sample size
B. Number of defects in a typical unit of output
C. Proportion of defective units being produced
D. Useful life period of units produced
E. Proportion of variability that can be attributed to random factors

• 8.The chart which involves the number of defects per item, is called the _________ chart.

A. X-bar
B. X
C. R
D. S
E. C

• 9.In the c chart, c is estimated by c-bar which is the:

A. Average range of each group

B. Average number of defects per item
C. Average number of defective items in the entire population
D. Standard deviation of the number of defectives
E. Proportion of defects in each group
• 10.The lower control limit for p charts is:

A. Sometimes zero
B. Always zero
C. Never zero
D. P-bar - [(p-bar)(1 - (p-bar))]
E. None of the above

• 11.Suppose we have calculated upper and lower control limits for the sample proportion as,
respectively, 0.12 and 0.08. In our latest sample of 200 observations, 26 were defective. Because we
calculated our limits as representing +/� 3σ of the sample proportion, we are _______________
certain the process is _______________.

A. 99.74%; in control
B. 99.74%; out of control
C. 0.26%; out of control
D. 0.26%; capable
E. 99.74%; capable

• 12.When a process is in control, the standard deviation in samples of size n = 7 averages 3.5. What
would upper and lower control limits for the control charts for s be?

A. UCLs = 5.687; LCLs = 4.013

B. UCLs = 6.875; LCLs = 0
C. UCLs = 6.587; LCLs = 0.413
D. UCLs = 13.174; LCLs = 0.826
E. UCLs = 13.714; LCLs = 0.286