Standard Practice for Evaluation of Technical Data

SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the evaluation of technical data, appropriate criteria for such evaluation, and other relevant considerations which constitute a proper basis for the formation of technical opinions in product liability matters. This practice deals with hypotheses and opinions based on consideration and analysis of technical data. While the facts and issues of each situation require specific consideration and may involve matters not expressly dealt with herein, the approach outlined is recommended as good professional practice.  
1.2 For additional standards promulgated by ASTM Committee E-30.40 on Technical Aspects of Products Liability Litigation, see Practices E620, E860, and E1020.

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Publication Date
09-Jun-1998
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:E 678–98
Standard Practice for
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Evaluation of Technical Data
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 678; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Evaluation Procedure
1.1 This practice covers the evaluation of technical data, 4.1 This section outlines the basic principles of technical
appropriate criteria for such evaluation, and other relevant evaluation in accordance with scientific practice and engineer-
considerations which constitute a proper basis for forming ing methods.
technical opinions. This practice deals with hypotheses and 4.1.1 Definition of the Problem—The expert must first
opinions based on consideration and analysis of technical data. define the problem being considered. The definition should
The approach outlined is recommended as good professional include: (1) the complaint(s) or allegation(s) being addressed,
practice even though the facts and issues of each situation (2) the technical issues addressed, (3) the relationship between
require specific consideration, and may involve matters not the technical issue(s) and complaint(s) or allegation(s) ad-
expressly dealt with herein. dressed by the expert, and (4) the relationship between the
1.2 For additional standards promulgated by ASTM Com- technical issue(s) addressed and the incident.
mittee E-30 on Forensic Sciences, see Practices E 620, E 860, 4.1.2 Identification and Validity of Hypotheses:
E 1020, and E 1188. 4.1.2.1 The expert shall identify and, if necessary, explain
technical hypothesis and judgmental criteria used in an evalu-
2. Referenced Documents
ation. The source, technical basis, and relationship of each
2.1 ASTM Standards: hypothesis and criterion to known incident data shall be
E 620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Technical Ex-
specified.
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perts 4.1.2.2 If available data permit alternative hypotheses, the
E 860 Practice for Examining and Testing Items thatAre or
relative technical merits of each shall be addressed.
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May Become Involved in Litigation 4.1.3 Evaluation Techniques:
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E 1020 Practice for Reporting Incidents
4.1.3.1 The record of analysis and deduction shall be
E 1188 Practice for Collection and Preservation of Informa-
reasoned and traceable. The evaluation shall be quantified to
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tion and Physical Items by a Technical Investigator the extent feasible, but should not assume greater accuracy
than is warranted by the quality of the available data. Prob-
3. Significance and Use
ability estimates are not acceptable until confidence limits have
3.1 The responsibility of the technical expert in a forensic
been calculated and confirmed.
investigation encompasses identifying significant data perti-
5. Data for Evaluation
nent to the incident and related to the expert’s opinion,
analyzing and correlating the data with respect to the incident,
5.1 The evaluation process is based on the information
and providing a meaningful explanation of the results to the collected and is intended to determine the most logical expla-
nontechnical as well as the technical community.
nation of the incident, accounting for all significant data. Three
3.2 This practice is intended to serve as a guideline for the factors that shall be considered are (1) data included in the
technical expert in conducting an investigation, which includes
information base; (2) identification of the source and character
analyzing and evaluating facts. In addition, this practice may of the data; and (3) validity of the data.
assist others in understanding and evaluating the work per-
5.1.1 Data include observed and reconstructed events,
formed. physical characteristics of people, things and conditions in-
volved, times and locations, physical injuries to people and
damage to things, etc. Table 1 contains a list of typical
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correlative information and types of specific data that may be
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-30 on Forensic
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.11 on Interdiscipli-
significant during evaluation. The use of a checklist similar to
nary Forensic Science Standards.
Table 1 is recommended as a systematic tool to verify that
Current edition approved June 10, 1998. Published November 1998. Originally
available and pertinent information has been included in the
published as E 678 – 80. Last previous edition E 678 – 90.
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. evaluation.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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