About Random Sampling and Descriptive Sampling

The Random Sampling and the Descriptive Sampling techniques are available only with the Monte Carlo Sampling analysis type.

The Random Sampling technique generates sample points by generating N uniformly distributed random numbers between 0 and 1 for each random variable and obtaining corresponding values from each random variable distribution.

For more information, see Simple Random Sampling in the Isight Component Guide.

The Descriptive Sampling technique generates sample points by dividing each random variable distribution into N intervals of equal probability and randomly combining samples from these intervals for each random variable to produce design points. One point is sampled from each interval; thus, the technique ensures a broad spread of data across the distributions of each random variable, following the shape of the distribution. This technique is a variance reduction technique aimed at reducing the variance of the statistical estimates derived from the Monte Carlo simulation data.

For more information, see Descriptive Sampling in the Isight Component Guide.

To configure a Random Sampling or Descriptive Sampling technique, you must provide the following tuning parameter information:

Number of Simulations

Type the number of simulations to be executed. The default number is 1000 for simple random sampling and 100 for descriptive sampling. Specifying a higher number of simulations generally results in an increase in the accuracy level of statistical predictions.

Type the value of the random seed in the corresponding text box. If this option is not selected, Isight determines the seed randomly.

Note: A fixed seed can also be set and used for the entire model. If a fixed seed is set for the model and also defined separately in the Six Sigma component, Isight uses the one defined in the Six Sigma component. If a fixed seed is set for the model and this option is not selected, the sequence of random numbers is based on the model’s random seed (and, thus, is still reproducible). For information about setting a fixed seed, see Setting the Execution Options in the Isight User’s Guide.