Introduction to

Engineering Statistics
Math 89: Engineering Data Analysis

Main Reference:
Vardeman, S. B., & Jobe, J. M. (2001). Basic Engineering Data
Collection and analysis. Brooks/Cole.
What and Why?
“To Collect and Interpret Data”

Engineering Statistics provide

the essential concepts to tackle
topics that may be beyond the
scope of their expertise
through the gathering of
empirical collection
So, What is Engineering Statistics?

Collect Summarize or Draw Formal

Engineering Describe Inferences and
Data Engineering Practical
Data Conclusions
Basic Terminologies
Types of Statistical Studies
Observational Study
• the investigator plays a passive role
where they observe a process or
phenomenon and record the data.
There is no intervention.
• There is a possibility of lurking variables.
(Variables that are not accounted for in
the study)
• Can only claim association.
Examples
Studies on:
• Customer behavior: Observing how customers make decisions about
products in a store, such as how long they take to decide
• Human behavior: Observing people's behavior in a public park or
other setting, such as a coffee shop or religious gathering
• Animal behavior: Observing animals in their natural environment, at
a zoo, or in a wildlife reserve
• Natural disasters: Observing natural disasters like tornadoes,
hurricanes, or tsunamis
Types of Statistical Studies
Experimental Study
• The investigator plays an active
role where variables are
manipulated in a controlled
environment.
• Most Efficient and Reliable as it is
highly regulated.
• Far easier and safer to infer
causality.
Examples
Studies on:
• Environmental Science: Introducing more green spaces in urban areas and
measuring changes in air pollutant levels over time.
• Education: Implementing various teaching techniques (e.g., interactive vs.
lecture-based) in classrooms and assessing student performance and
engagement.
• Health and Medicine: Assigning participants to different exercise routines
and monitoring changes in their cardiovascular health indicators (e.g., blood
pressure, cholesterol levels).
• Technology: Comparing user interactions and satisfaction with a new app
interface versus an older version to determine improvements in usability.
Experimental Research vs. Observational Studies (Stomp on Step1)
Types of Studies based on Results
(William Edwards Deming)
Enumerative Study
- Well defined, finite group of
Measurements objects under
study. Conclusions are intended
to apply only to these objects.
Examples:
- national census or quality
control in manufacturing. (Tells
us about the group)
Types of Studies based on Results
(William Edwards Deming)
Analytical Study
- examines a process or
phenomenon at a specific time
and place, with the goal of
having the data represent
system behavior in similar
conditions elsewhere and at
other times.
Examples:
- medical research or climate
studies. (Infers the effect of one
thing to another)
Types of Data
Qualitative (Categorical Data)
nonnumerical characteristics in a sample.
While there can be an order, meaningful
numerical values are derived from
aggregation and counting of such data.
• Simply saying it is good or bad is not
enough. There must be numbers
backing it up.
• Likert Scales
• Multiple Choice
Types of Data
Quantitative (Numerical Data)
numerical characteristics of items in a
sample, usually as counts of occurrences
or measurements of physical properties.
• Temperature Measurements
• Barometer Measurements
• Stress Measurements
General Principles in the
Collection of Engineering
Data
1. Measurement
If Direct Measurement exists, this is much reliable that indirect
measure. (e.g. If the goal is to measure the humidity directly,
measure with a barometer not a thermometer)

Operational definitions and standard measurement

procedures must be clearly communicated for consistency.
• Design Manual/Standards for Research (ASTM for CE)
• Training of Surveyors on how to collect the data.
1. Measurement
Gauge R and R studies
(repeatability and
reproducibility) are important
for maintaining measurement
precision.

Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R) (Six Sigma Study Guide)

2. Sampling
How many observations do I need?
How? Who? Where?

Personal biases (conscious or

subconscious) can affect data collection.

"Where?" to collect data: as close in

time and space to the studied
phenomenon as possible.
Recording
Proper data recording formats are crucial for success.

Traffic Volume Count of a 4-Leg Intersection in the Philippines (Sulay, G.)

Recording
Data recording must
include enough details
to reconstruct study
circumstances.
In essence, the
documentation must be
consistent and thorough
through out the study.

Example of a Spot Speed Survey Summative Sheet(Sulay, G.)

Sampling in Enumerative Studies
Advantages of Sampling
• Feasible for large populations
• Very Fast than testing all of the
population
• Close supervision and timely data
are more advantageous than
lengthy studies.
Sampling in Enumerative Studies
Examples of Sampling
1. Simple Random Sampling
2. Systematic Sampling
3. Stratified Sampling
4. Cluster Sampling

Sampling Methods | Types, Techniques & Examples (Scribbr)

Assignment
In groups of 4, perform the following:

• Activity 1: Identify examples of Observational Studies and Experimintal studies.

Give 5 Examples each. (Include the DOI number, publisher, and link)
• Activity 2: Identify examples of Enumerative Studies and Analytic studies. Give 5
Examples each. (Include the DOI number, publisher, and link)
• Activity 3: If you were to create a sample from a group of 500 students, search on
the web for n appropriate equation for sample size and what sampling technique
you should use. Show your calculations and explanations.

Submit this as a Word File via Google Classroom.