Statistics Normal Distribution

Statistics normal distribution is a description of how data is shaped when plotted on a frequency diagram or a histogram . Normal distribution is the most common shape of data. Above is a histogram of a data set that has normal distribution.

Statistics Normal Distribution Described

With normal distribution, most of the data is in the center. As you get further away from the average, the less frequent the data appears. I drew a curve on the graph. This curve is called a bell shape curve because it looks like a musical bell. Normal distribution possesses the bell shape curve. Normal distribution will also be called bell shaped data.

The average of the data will be in the center. In some cases you will have perfect normal distribution. In this case the median = mode = mean .

You can use Microsoft Excel to create Histograms.

My First Normal Distribution

The first time I encountered normal distribution was during high school. I remember the teacher telling me that the grades would be based on the curve. I asked myself, what is this curve she speaks of? That curve was the bell shape curve or normal distribution. From my grades perspective, I just didn’t want to be on the beginning side of the curve.

Little did I know at that time, the importance of that curve. That curve represents natural variation. The bell shape curve appears everywhere. In about 90% of all data you collect meets normal distribution. Normal distribution is responsible for about 95% of all applied statistics.

Statistics Normal Distribution

When you have a Normal Distribution, you can apply statistics and make predictions about the data set. These statistics allows you to describe your data set in terms of averages and standard deviation.

In addition you can apply process control tools such as SPC when you have normal distribution.

Below is a normal distribution curve that is separated by 1, 2, and 3 standard deviations from the center.

99% of the data occur within +/- 3 standard deviations. You can use the below chart to see the percentage of data with each standard deviation.

If you have specifications you can conduct a process capability study on data sets with normal distribution. Quality Assurance relies on collecting data. That data needs to be studied and understood. Statistical normal distribution lets you do both.

Creating a Histogram

Description:

One of the Total Quality Management Tools is the Histogram.

One uses this graph to show frequency distributions. It looks very much like a bar chart.

When to Use:

This chart graphs data distributions. If you have numerical, variable, continuous data you can use the this chart. The chart organizes and sorts the data. It shows the data in a pictorial format.

Construction :

After calculating width in step 2 of the worksheet, use your judgment and adjust it to a convenient round number. For example, you might decide to round 0.9 to an even 1.0. The value for W may not have more decimal places than any number in your data set.

Draw x- and y-axes on graph paper. Mark and label the y-axis for counting the data values. Mark and label the x-axis with the L values from the worksheet. The spaces between these numbers will create the bars. Do not allow for spaces between bars.

For each data point, locate it where it fits within the Ls. Mark off one count above the appropriate bar with an X or by shading that portion of the bar.

Example

Consider this simple example. Below shows the exam results collected from a training class of 50 individuals:

Below is the chart. The center of the data shows about 69. The average is probably near 69. Construct these bar charts to provide a useful picture of your data.