Specify methods of estimation for the standard deviation for Normal Capability Analysis for Multiple Variables (between/within analysis)

Stat > Quality Tools > Capability Analysis > Multiple Variables (Normal) > Estimate

Note

If you selected a between/within analysis on the main dialog box, you can choose from the following methods to estimate the standard deviation. If you are performing a default (within-subgroup) analysis for multiple variables, go to Specify methods of estimation for the standard deviation for Normal Capability Analysis for Multiple Variables (within analysis).

Estimation methods for within-subgroup variation

Select a method for estimating the within-subgroup standard deviation.

Rbar: Rbar is the average of the subgroup ranges. This method is a common estimate of the standard deviation and works best with subgroup sizes from 2 to 8.
Sbar: Sbar is the average of the subgroup standard deviations. This method provides a more precise estimate of the standard deviation than Rbar, especially with subgroup sizes > 8.
Pooled standard deviation: The pooled standard deviation is the weighted average of subgroup variances, which gives larger subgroups more influence on the overall estimate. This method provides the most precise estimate of standard deviation when the process is in control.

Estimation methods for between-subgroup variation

Select a method for estimating the between-subgroup standard deviation.

Average moving range: The average moving range is the average value of the moving range of two or more consecutive points. This method is commonly used when the subgroup size is 1.
Median moving range: The median moving range is the median value of the moving range of two or more consecutive points. This method is best to use when data have extreme ranges that could influence the moving range.
Square root of MSSD: The square root of MSSD is the square root of the mean of the squared differences between consecutive points. Use this method when you cannot reasonably assume that at least 2 consecutive points were collected under similar conditions.

Use moving range of length: Enter the number of observations used to calculate the moving range. By default, a span of 2 is used because consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike. The span must be ≤ 100.

Unbiasing constants

You can choose to use unbiasing constants in the calculations for the withiin-subgroup, between-subgroup, and overall standard deviation. Unbiasing constants reduce the bias that can occur when a parameter is estimated from a small number of observations. As the number of observations increases, unbiasing constants have less effect on the calculated results.

Use unbiasing constants: Use unbiasing constants in the estimates of the within- and between-subgroup standard deviations. This option applies to the Sbar, pooled standard deviation, and square root of MSSD methods.
Use unbiasing constants to calculate overall standard deviation: Use unbiasing constants in the estimate of the overall standard deviation.

Note

Often, the choice to use unbiasing constants depends on company policy or industry standards.