4.1 All test methods have an output in the form of a test result. This guide provides information on the construction of test results from more elemental measurements.

4.2 A well defined test result is necessary before any precision statements can be made about the test method.

4.2.1 Form and Style for ASTM Standards,2 Section A21, requires that every test method shall contain a statement regarding its precision, preferably as a result of an interlaboratory test program. Reporting of such studies is described in Practice E177, which illustrates the development of test results from observations and test determinations.

4.2.2 Precision statements for ASTM test methods are applicable to test results. They are not applicable to test determinations or observations, unless specifically and clearly indicated otherwise.

The purpose of this guide is to provide guidelines for identifying the elements that comprise the test result of a test method and to illustrate how these elements combine into the test result. It covers the types of measurement scales used for expressing observations and test results. This guide provides information on the construction of test results from more elemental measurements.

This guide covers a test method that may have three distinct stages: the direct measurement or observation of dimensions or properties, or the occurrence of an event; the arithmetical combination of observed values to obtain a single determination; and the arithmetical combination of a number of determinations to obtain the test result of a test method. This guide also explains that for a quantitative test method, a test determination may be described as the process of calculating from one or more observations a property of a single test specimen, or as the value obtained from the process.

1.1 The purpose of this guide is to provide guidelines for identifying the elements that comprise the test result of a test method and to illustrate how these elements combine into the test result.

1.2 Types of measurement scales used for expressing observations and test results are discussed.

1.3 No system of units is specified in this standard.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.