Distribution

Definition

Distribution describes how data points are spread or arranged across different values. It helps to visualize the frequency and patterns within a dataset.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A normal distribution, also known as Gaussian distribution, is symmetric and bell-shaped.
2. The mean, median, and mode of a normal distribution are all equal.
3. A skewed distribution has a longer tail on one side; if the tail is on the right, it's positively skewed, and if on the left, it's negatively skewed.
4. Histograms and box plots are common visual tools used to represent distributions.
5. Understanding distributions is crucial for calculating probabilities and making inferences about a population from a sample.

Review Questions

• What type of distribution is symmetric and bell-shaped?
• How do mean, median, and mode relate in a normal distribution?
• What visual tools can be used to represent distributions?

Related terms

Histogram: A bar graph that represents the frequency of data intervals in a dataset.

Skewness: A measure of asymmetry in a distribution.

Box Plot: A graphical representation that shows the spread and central tendency of a dataset using quartiles.