Under an acceptance sampling plan, what does AQL define?

Under an acceptance sampling plan, what does AQL define?

• A. The maximum number of defects permitted in a single item.
• B. The average quality level of a batch.
• C. The probability of accepting a lot.
• D. The maximum percent defective allowed in a batch that is accepted.

Answer: (D)

AQL defines the maximum percent defective allowed in a batch for the lot to be considered acceptable under the sampling plan. In acceptance sampling, you don’t judge every item; you sample a portion and compare the number of defects to the acceptance criteria tied to the AQL. If the observed defects in the sample are at or below that threshold, the lot is accepted; if they exceed it, the lot is rejected. This threshold is a property of the plan, not the actual defect rate of any single item, and it helps balance risk between the producer and consumer by setting the quality level deemed acceptable for acceptance.

AQL defines the maximum percent defective allowed in a batch for the lot to be considered acceptable under the sampling plan. In acceptance sampling, you don’t judge every item; you sample a portion and compare the number of defects to the acceptance criteria tied to the AQL. If the observed defects in the sample are at or below that threshold, the lot is accepted; if they exceed it, the lot is rejected. This threshold is a property of the plan, not the actual defect rate of any single item, and it helps balance risk between the producer and consumer by setting the quality level deemed acceptable for acceptance.