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    PracticeAQA GCSEAQA GCSE Statistics Higher Tier Paper 1Question 12.2
    Easy1 markShort Answer
    Interpreting Results and Evaluating FindingsControl ChartsStatistical Process ControlQuality ControlGCSE

    AQA GCSE · Question 12.2 · Interpreting Results and Evaluating Findings

    Machine B 23.5 24.0 24.5 25.0 25.5 26.0 26.5 Sample mean mass (grams) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Sample number Action lines Warning lines Target mass Warning lines Action lines

    The control chart for 10 consecutive large samples for Machine B is shown below. What should Luka do, if anything, with Machine B, based on this chart?

    How to approach this question

    1. **Recall Control Chart Rules**: Pay attention to rules about points near the limits. A key rule is that if two consecutive points fall between a warning limit and an action limit, the process should be investigated. 2. **Examine the Chart for Machine B**: * Are any points outside the action lines? No. * Look at the last two points, for sample 9 and sample 10. * Sample 9 has a mean of approx. 25.7g. This is between the upper warning line (25.5g) and the upper action line (26.0g). * Sample 10 has a mean of approx. 25.8g. This is also between the upper warning and action lines. 3. **Apply the Rule**: We have two consecutive points in the warning zone. This is a signal that the process is likely out of control. 4. **Formulate a Conclusion**: Action is required. Luka should stop the machine and investigate the cause of the increased mean mass.

    Full Answer

    Luka should stop the machine and investigate. The last two points (sample 9 and 10) are between the warning and action limits, which signals a problem.
    When interpreting a control chart, we look for signals that the process may be going out of control. One of the standard rules is that if **two consecutive points lie between a warning limit and the corresponding action limit**, action should be taken. On the chart for Machine B: - The sample mean for sample 9 is approximately 25.7g. This is above the upper warning limit of 25.5g but below the upper action limit of 26.0g. - The sample mean for sample 10 is approximately 25.8g. This is also between the upper warning and action limits. Since two points in a row have fallen in this zone, it is a strong indicator that there is a problem and the process mean may have shifted upwards. Therefore, Luka should stop Machine B and investigate the cause.

    Common mistakes

    ✗ Stating no action is needed because no points are outside the action limits. This ignores the rule about consecutive points in the warning zone. ✗ Only mentioning one point is in the warning zone, which on its own does not require action.
    Question 12.1All questionsQuestion 12.3

    Practice the full AQA GCSE Statistics Higher Tier Paper 1

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