This part of ISO 8780 gives an introduction to the various methods, described in subsequent parts of ISO 8780, for dispersing pigments and/or extenders in a particular binder system in order to assess the dispersion characteristics. Methods for assessing the characteristics of the dispersion so produced are described in ISO 8781. The various procedures permit comparisons between similar pigments (for example between a test pigment and an agreed reference pigment). The results make it possible to draw inferences about the dispersion that may be obtained under manufacturing conditions, but only if the dispersion conditions for the test are appropriate.