This guide is intended to assist task groups in the preparation of a test method. It can help the task group use existing statistically related ASTM practices more effectively during the development and writing of the test method.

This guide is being withdrawn because D13 no longer has the expertise to maintain and statistical standards are being maintained by Committee E11.

Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D13 on Textiles, this guide was withdrawn in February 2009.

There are enough existing practices related to the development of test methods or the preparation of one or more sections of new test methods so that even the experienced author may not use them as effectively as possible. This guide shows the person(s) preparing a new test method where and when the existing practices can best be used.

Using this standard as a guide, a task group should be able to prepare a draft of a new test in less time and with less effort than if this guide were not used. In addition, a well-prepared draft of a new test method is less likely to receive negative votes.

1.1 This guide is intended to assist task groups in the preparation of a test method. It can help the task group use existing statistically related ASTM practices more effectively during the development and writing of the test method.

1.2 Some of the essential activities that should occur during the development of a new test method are not in existing or proposed practices under the jurisdiction of ASTM Subcommittee D13.93 on Statistics. This guide includes a brief explanation of how such activities should be carried out.

1.3 This guide is applicable to properties that are evaluated by both parametric and nonparametric methods of estimation. The instructions on properties that are best evaluated by nonparametric methods are less complete than those for properties that are evaluated by parametric methods.