A: The two basic data types in quality applications are discrete and continuous. Discrete data occur only as whole numbers. Continuous data can take on fractional values. Examples of discrete data are the number of parts, shipments, defects or improvement projects. These are always reported as 0,1,2 or some other whole number. One-half of a project or 2.5 defects are not valid answers in this case. Continuous data usually come from something measured, such as length, volume, pressure or cycle time.
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