MR Data Analysis and Interpretation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Management Representative notices that customer complaint data shows a spike every third month. Which analysis technique best identifies this pattern?
- Pareto analysis
- Time-series analysis (Correct answer)
- Scatter diagram
- Cause-and-effect diagram
Correct answer: Time-series analysis
Time-series analysis plots data over time and is specifically designed to reveal cyclical or periodic patterns.
Question 2: When interpreting a control chart, which condition indicates a process is out of statistical control?
- All points within control limits with no pattern
- Seven consecutive points on one side of the centerline (Correct answer)
- Points randomly distributed around the mean
- Equal variation above and below the centerline
Correct answer: Seven consecutive points on one side of the centerline
Seven consecutive points on one side of the centerline is a classic run rule indicating a non-random, out-of-control condition.
Question 3: An MR needs to prioritize corrective actions across 12 defect types. Which tool will most efficiently identify the vital few causes?
- Histogram
- Pareto chart (Correct answer)
- Run chart
- Box plot
Correct answer: Pareto chart
A Pareto chart ranks defect types by frequency and highlights the vital few that account for the majority of problems (80/20 rule).
Question 4: In a supplier audit, data shows process capability index Cpk = 0.85. What does this indicate?
- The process exceeds specification requirements
- The process is not capable of consistently meeting specifications (Correct answer)
- The process is centered within tolerance
- The process has no variation
Correct answer: The process is not capable of consistently meeting specifications
A Cpk below 1.0 indicates the process cannot consistently produce output within specification limits.
Question 5: Which sampling method ensures every unit in a large batch has an equal chance of being selected for inspection?
- Stratified sampling
- Judgment sampling
- Simple random sampling (Correct answer)
- Convenience sampling
Correct answer: Simple random sampling
Simple random sampling gives every unit an equal and independent probability of selection, eliminating selection bias.
Question 6: An MR reviews internal audit data showing NCRs clustered in one department. What should the analysis focus on first?
- Penalizing the department manager
- Identifying root causes driving the cluster using structured tools (Correct answer)
- Closing all NCRs without investigation
- Increasing audit frequency for all departments equally
Correct answer: Identifying root causes driving the cluster using structured tools
A cluster of NCRs signals a systemic issue that requires root cause analysis before effective corrective action can be planned.
Question 7: What does a strong positive correlation coefficient (r ≈ +0.95) between two variables on a scatter diagram indicate?
- One variable causes the other to increase
- As one variable increases, the other tends to increase proportionally (Correct answer)
- The variables are independent of each other
- The relationship is non-linear
Correct answer: As one variable increases, the other tends to increase proportionally
A correlation coefficient near +1 shows a strong linear relationship where both variables tend to move in the same direction, though correlation does not imply causation.
MR Data Analysis and Interpretation 2
A Management Representative notices that customer complaint data shows a spike every third month.
Which analysis technique best identifies this pattern?