Check Sheet
A simple, preformatted tally form used to mark counts and occurrences while data are being collected, often laid out like a checklist.
Key Points
- Used at the point of work to capture frequency of events, defects, or attributes.
- Predefined categories and spaces for tally marks ensure consistent data collection.
- Summarized counts can be quickly turned into Pareto charts or histograms.
- One of the seven basic quality tools; commonly applied in Manage Quality and Control Quality.
Example
During inspections on a hardware rollout project, the QA team uses a check sheet listing common defect types (e.g., loose connector, missing label, wrong part). Inspectors place a tally each time they see a defect. At the end of the week, the tallies are summarized to create a Pareto chart to prioritize corrective actions.
PMP Example Question
Which tool should a project manager use to record the type and frequency of defects during inspections so the data can later be summarized into a Pareto chart?
- Check Sheet
- Histogram
- Control Chart
- Scatter Diagram
Correct Answer: A — Check sheet
Explanation: A check sheet is a tally form designed for data collection at the source. Histograms and Pareto charts are used after data are collected; control charts track process stability over time; scatter diagrams show relationships between variables.
