Final answer:
In Six Sigma, a frequency distribution or frequency table is used to identify the frequency of specific problems. One may also use a chi-square test to compare observed frequencies against expected frequencies in hypothesis testing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statistical tool of Six Sigma used to determine the frequency of a specific problem is known as a frequency distribution or a frequency table. This tool collects and analyzes data to find out the number of times a specific event or problem occurs. For instance, to understand how many products are defective in a factory setting, a Six Sigma practitioner would list the expected defects and record the actual number in a frequency table to compare and analyze occurrences.
In situations requiring hypothesis testing for frequencies, one may use a chi-square test. This involves comparing the observed frequency values with expected frequency values to see if there is a significant difference. When conducting a chi-square goodness-of-fit test, you would use a solution sheet, as indicated in Appendix E of certain textbooks, and round expected frequencies to two decimal places. This process helps determine whether the observed frequencies differ significantly from what was expected.
An example of a frequency-related question might involve asking a sample of statistics students about their product usage within a week and then using the plus-four method to find a 95 percent confidence interval for the true proportion of students using the product weekly, based on the frequency of responses.