NIST statistical tests · Test success alone is not evidence

File: 10 October 2026 · Source date: 10 October 2026

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Pseudo-randomness

Many simulations use pseudo-random numbers generated by a deterministic algorithm. The same starter seed produces the same sequence; this feature makes it easier to repeat the experiment.

Statistical tests

NIST SP 800-22 provides a test suite that searches for frequencies, patterns, and dependencies in bit sequences. The tests can detect obvious defects, but they do not prove that all future outputs of a generator are unpredictable.

Scientific use

Researchers should record the generator, seed, and version used. Testing whether the results change with different seeds and, if possible, different generators increases the robustness of the model.

discussion question

How would you balance repeatability with real unpredictability?

Resources and further reading

NIST SP 800-22 Rev. 1a ↗NIST — Random Number Generation Project ↗
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