2 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A TESTING METHOD

SEVERAL IMPORTANT characteristics of a textile test method are described by Cohen (1982). A textile test should be both valid and reliable, measuring what is being studied and providing consistent, repeatable results. The test should be simple to perform and use equipment that is easy to operate and not too expensive. The testing procedure should be completed within a relatively short time. Generally, the test procedure will be accelerated compared to the actual action it is duplicating. Correlation should exist between the test procedure and the actual problem or end use being evaluated. The method should also provide a range of results that are measurable.