The bootstrap statistical method is applied to the discrepancy in the one-charged-particle decay modes of the tau lepton. This eliminates questions about the correctness of the errors ascribed to the branching-fraction measurements and the use of Gaussian error distributions for systematic errors. The discrepancy is still seen when the results of the bootstrap analysis are combined with other measurements and with deductions from theory. But the bootstrap method assigns less statistical significance to the discrepancy compared to a method using Gaussian error distributions.

• Received 18 July 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.39.274