What is the purpose of the experiment?

The initial stage in any data-collection exercise is to clearly state the objectives of the study. With no clear idea of the objectives of the study, it is unlikely that the data collected will contain suitable information.

It is essential that the researcher has a clear idea of what an experiment is being conducted to achieve. In defining the goals of the experiment, it is important that people with intimate knowledge of the process or subject area are included in the team which is charged with designing and running the experiment.

Many experiments are intended to solve a problem. After recognising that there is a problem, it needs to be carefully defined. Stating the problem clearly and obtaining general agreement that this statement really does describe the problem is imperative. Quite frequently,...

A clear statement of the problem can lead to process improvement without any experimentation, simply through creating a greater understanding of the process.