Statistics as a Catalyst to Learning by Scientific Method Part I—An Example

Innovation in the design and manufacture of processes and products usually comes about as a result of careful investigation—a directed process of sequential learning. Many practitioners, although familiar with “one-shot” statistical procedures, have little knowledge of the power of statistical techniques designed to catalyze investigation itself. A simple means of demonstrating and experiencing this learning process is illustrated using response surface methods to find an improved design for a paper helicopter.