Select the randomization options for Create Stability Study Worksheet

You can specify how Minitab randomizes the order of the runs in your data collection worksheet. Each table below shows a possible run order for each option. All examples are based on a study that includes 3 batches and 2 samples at each test time (also called repeats) for each batch.

Do not randomize

If you do not randomize the data collection order, you collect each batch in sequential order at each test time. Each batch is sampled once before any repeats.

C1	C2	C3
RunOrder	Month	Batch
1	0	1
2	0	2
3	0	3
4	0	1
5	0	2
6	0	3

Do not randomize, group repeats by batch

In this option, you collect each batch in sequential order and collect all repeat measurements from one batch before collecting data from the next batch.

C1	C2	C3
RunOrder	Month	Batch
1	0	1
2	0	1
3	0	2
4	0	2
5	0	3
6	0	3

Randomize batch sequence at each testing time, group repeats by batch

Randomize the order of the batches at each test time and take all repeat measurements from one batch before collecting data from the next batch.

C1	C2	C3
RunOrder	Month	Batch
1	0	2
2	0	2
3	0	1
4	0	1
5	0	3
6	0	3

Randomize batch sequence and repeats at each testing time

Randomize the order of the batches and the repeat measurements at each test time.

C1	C2	C3
RunOrder	Month	Batch
1	0	2
2	0	1
3	0	1
4	0	3
5	0	2
6	0	3

Base for random data generator

Enter any positive integer to generate multiple data collection worksheets that have the same run order. For example, suppose two Minitab users each follow the steps in Example of Creating a Stability Study Worksheet. The run order for their worksheets will almost certainly be different because Minitab randomizes the run order. However, if each user enters 37 in Base for random data generator, then their worksheets will be identical, including the run order.

Store standard order in worksheet

Select to add a column to the worksheet that shows the standard order of the runs. If you choose Do not randomize, then the run order is the same as the standard order.