discussion

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, view the The Normal Distribution video by clicking the image below.

This video explains what the normal distribution is and gives examples of normal distributions in the natural and social world. The distribution of the number of heads thrown on 20 coins, the weight of ants, and the age of marathon runners are all approximately normal distributions. Thus, the normal distribution is what often happens when we chart a large number of random events.

Respond to one of the following options in your initial post, citing at least one specific credible source in support. Question on credible sources? See the  Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources (Links to an external site.) .

 

Option 1

· Determine whether there is any link between the normal distribution and  Variation 2: Standard Deviation (With a Digression on Eggroulette) (Links to an external site.)  where we relied on statements such as “about two-thirds of observations are within one standard deviation of the mean.”

· Briefly discuss.

Option 2

· State an example of a variable that follows a normal distribution.

· State one way knowing this is useful in your professional or personal life.

· Briefly elaborate on your example.

Option 3

· Identify the minimum number of data points needed to generate a normal distribution.

· Create a data set of that size, and show that it meets the first three conditions for a Normal Distribution in section 5.1 on page 164 of the text.

Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length.

 

Guided Response:  Due by Day 7. Respond to two classmates (at least one who selected a different option than you) by providing additional examples or support for their argument. Your response must be substantive and demonstrate your statistics knowledge. You are expected to participate by actively engaging in weekly discussion forums.