CSSGB · Question #168
A measurement system analysis is designed to assess the statistical properties of
The correct answer is A. gage variation. Measurement System Analysis (MSA) exists specifically to quantify the statistical properties of gage variation - that is, how much of the observed variation in data comes from the measurement system itself (instrument, operator, environment) rather than the actual product or…
Question
A measurement system analysis is designed to assess the statistical properties of
Options
- Agage variation
- Bprocess performance
- Cprocess stability
- Dengineering tolerances
How the community answered
(17 responses)- A88% (15)
- B6% (1)
- C6% (1)
Explanation
Measurement System Analysis (MSA) exists specifically to quantify the statistical properties of gage variation - that is, how much of the observed variation in data comes from the measurement system itself (instrument, operator, environment) rather than the actual product or process. The core technique, Gage R&R, decomposes gage variation into repeatability (same operator, same part) and reproducibility (different operators).
Why the distractors are wrong:
- B (process performance) - MSA evaluates the measurement tool, not the process it measures; process performance indices (Cp, Cpk) come after confirming the gage is adequate.
- C (process stability) - Stability is assessed with control charts on process output, not via MSA.
- D (engineering tolerances) - Tolerances are design specifications; MSA uses them as a reference (e.g., % tolerance consumed by gage error) but does not assess them.
Memory tip: Think of MSA as "can I trust my ruler?" - it's always about the measurement device, not what you're measuring.
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