Normal distribution :
When data I symmetrical around central scores
Mean, median and mode are equal
Data should fit along a ‘gaussian curve’
Skewed distributions:
Can have positive, negative skew and a symmetrical distribution
Calculating skew
o Can calculate Pearson’s coefficient of skew using the median and the mean:
Skew = 3(mean-median) / standard deviation
o Interpretation
If skew is <0, the data is negatively skewed
If skew is >0, the data is positively skewed
Testing for distribution
Normality tests e.g. Shapiro -Wilk, Kolomogorav – Smirnov
Simply ask: “is your data normal?” Y/N
Gaussian curve
From the mean and standard deviation of the data alone, we can predict value of y
for any value of x
This has big implication, as most of our tests are based on normal distributions
Why is the distribution shape important?
Parametric tests assume values such as the mean and standard deviation accurately
reflect the population distribution.
o 68% of the population are within (mean +/-1SD)
o 95% of the population are within (mean +/- 2 SD)
o 99.7% of the population are within (mean+/- 3SD)
Transforming data into z scores
This can help standardise data and reduce the impact of skewness
o Z= individual point – group mean / standard deviation
This tells us exactly how many standard deviations someone was from the mean
o 68% of the population are within a z score of +/- 1
o 95% of the population are within a z score of =/- 1.96 (rounded up to 2)
o 99.7 of the population are within a z score of +/- 2.96 (rounded up to 3)
Using a standardised z table – “values represent proportion to the left of the
individual score”
Pros of z scores
o Can transform data to a standardised scale
o Scale adheres to normal distribution
o Can compare things relative to their own population
o Use the entire data set
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller maryonanna. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.81. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.