Clue 3: It should be investigated whether the input **data** points tend to scatter such that the number of these **data** points seen to lie significantly outside the uncertainty bands defined by the population standard deviation (irrespective of the uncertainties assigned by the original experimenters) is larger (or smaller) than should be expected from applicable statistical criteria. For example, if the **data** are assumed to be normally distributed, as is generally the default assumption, then (as mentioned earlier) approximately two-thirds of the points should lie within the above-mentioned uncertainty bands. Excessive numbers of **data** points (or too few of them) seen to lie outside these limits would suggest that a problem exists with the assumption that these **data** are normally distributed. Then, evaluation by conventional methods, e.g., the least squares method, that assume normally distributed **data** could generate misleading results. Some of the rogue **data** points actually may be discrepant for physical reasons that transcend statistics, and this could lead to inappropriate reliance on statistical interpretation. Furthermore, most statistical rules become meaningful only when fairly large numbers of **data** points are involved.