Normal distribution

Activities: In-class, small-group

• Normal distribution.  An activity which uses a normal distribution to allow students to find various percentiles pertaining to the amount of time students sleep. Submitted by Laura J. Simon.

Class lecture notes

• Normal distribution.  An introduction to the normal distribution and probability calculations with it.  Submitted by Herb McGrath.
• Normal distribution.  An introduction to the normal distribution and general continuous probability density functions.  Submitted by Laura J. Simon.
• Assessing normality.  Interpreting normal probability plots. Submitted by Herb McGrath.

Dynamic visual displays

• Normal distribution.  This Toolbook module dynamically illustrates central areas and percentiles of the normal distribution. Requires Neuron plug-in.  Submitted by Bob Heckard.

Flowcharts

• Normal vs. t Distributions.  Choosing Between Normal and t Distributions. Submitted by Mosuk Chow.

Videos

• Against All Odds: Inside Statistics Video 4: Normal Distributions.  How do studies on batting averages in baseball and age changes in population find expression in density curves?  A series of simplifications shows the progression from histogram to a single normal curve for standardized measurement.  Included are mean, median and percentiles for density curves, and the 68-95-99.7 rule.  (28:46 mins.)  Video available in Main Office and from Penn State AVS.
• Against All Odds: Inside Statistics Video 5: Normal Calculations.  Vehicle emission standards and medical studies of cholesterol give practical examples of normal calculations at work.  Covered are the standardization and calculation of normal relative frequencies from tables, assessing normality by normal quintile plots.  (28:42 mins.)  Video available in Main Office and from Penn State AVS.