Influences
Among the statisticians and mathematicians who influenced Shainin’s thinking were Ronald Fisher, John Tukey, and Waloddi Weibull.
Shainin’s convergence techniques have the capability of reducing the number of Red X possibilities to a few options. Ronald Fisher’s statistically designed experiments would then isolate the Red X, revealing potential interactions while confirming the identity of the Red X with statistical confidence.
John Tukey, a proponent of simple statistical techniques, was another influence of Shainin’s. As a result of Tukey’s work, Shainin developed a simple confirmation test known as a “Six Pack Test.” Six Pack Tests were known for being much simpler than t-tests, being non-parametric and having a basic rule set. Shainin further developed this work into an analysis of variance, or ANOVA, permitting non-parametric analysis of Fisher’s full factorial experiments.
Like Seder’s Multi-Vari charts, Waloddi Weibull’s now famous continuous probability distribution fascinated Shainin. Weibull’s distribution, along with Shainin’s experiences at Hamilton Standard, planted the seed that would eventually become Shainin’s system for product reliability. This system was used in the development of Grumman’s Lunar Module as well as General Motors’ initial production of their anti-lock (ABS) brake system.
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