A test method is a definitive procedure that produces a test result. (
ASTM definition)The test result can be qualititive (yes/no), categorical, or quantititive (a measured value). It can be a personal observation or the output of a precision instrument.Usually the test result is the
dependent variable, the measured response based on the particular conditions of the test or the level of the
independent variable. Some tests, however, involve changing the independent variable to determine the level at which a certain response occurs: in this case, the test result is the independent variable.
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