Nursing Statistics

The average height for all males is 69.3 inches with a standard deviation of 2.8 inches. For females, the average height is 64 inches and the standard deviation is 2.8.  These are population values. For this week’s discussion, you will calculate a z-score based on your own height (60 inches) and determine whether your score is within the 95% normal range or if it is out of that range and considered unusual.

• Calculate the z-score based on population values for males or females.  Use the formula:  z= (x-µ)/σ where x is your height in inches.
• Calculate the normal range by creating the interval that is within 2 standard deviations of the population mean.  Multiply the population standard deviation by 2 and then add/subtract from the population mean.

Include the following, based on your calculations.

My height is 60 inches

-Is your height within the normal range? 

• How is the concept of normality used in the nursing field? For example: a patient’s blood pressure is compared to a normal range of values and a financial planner may check the “average” return of a stock.

• How does knowing what is usual help people and corporations and government organizations plan?  For example, how do airplane manufacturers use the normal height to design aircraft seating?