20.8. Limitations of the Normal Distribution

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a key assumption of the Normal Distribution?

   Hint

   Think about how data should spread around the average.

2. 2.

   What is an outlier?

   Hint

   What happens when one value is very different from the rest?

3. 3.

   What is a key limitation of the Normal Distribution?

   • a) It is applicable for all datasets
   • b) It assumes data symmetry
   • c) It ignores outliers

   Hint

   Think about the shape of the graph!

4. 4.

   Outliers have little effect on the Normal Distribution.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall how extreme scores can shift averages.

5. 5.

   A dataset with normally distributed heights has a mean of 65 inches and a standard deviation of 3 inches. However, the dataset contains an unusually tall individual at 85 inches. Analyze how this outlier could impact the mean and standard deviation. Present your findings.

   Hint

   Recall how outliers affect mean and spread!

6. 6.

   You are working with wait times for a bus that range from 0 to 20 minutes, but a data entry was mistakenly entered as 50 minutes. Discuss the implications of using the Normal Distribution in this scenario.

   Hint

   Think about data in real-world limits.