Statistics : Normal Distributions
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Normal Distributions
A student scores a 
Using this information, determine whether or not the student scored well on the SAT.
The student scored well: above a single standard deviation of the mean.
The student scored very well: above two standard deviations of the mean.
The student scored very poorly: below two standard deviations of the mean.
The student's score was average: similar to the mean.
The student scored poorly: below a single standard deviation of the mean.
The student scored very well: above two standard deviations of the mean.
In order to solve this problem let's consider probabilities and the normal—bell curve—distribution. Given that all events are equally likely, probability is calculated using the following formula:
When probabilities of a given population are calculated for particular events, they can be graphed in a frequency chart or histogram. If they form a standard distribution, then the graph will form to the following shape:
This shape is known as a bell curve. In this curve, the mean is known as the arithmetic average and is represented as the peak. The mean alters the position of the graph. If the mean increases or decreases, then the graph shifts to the right or to the left respectively. The mean is denoted as follows:
On the other hand, the standard deviation is a calculation that indicates the average amount that each value deviates from the mean. When the standard deviation is changed then the shape of the graph is altered. When the standard deviation is decreased, the graph is taller and thinner. Likewise, when the standard deviation is increased, the graph becomes shorter and wider. It is important to note that 99.7 percent of all the values in a normal population exist between three standard deviations above and below the mean. It is denoted using the following annotation:
Now that we have discussed the components of the bell curve, let's consider the scenario presented in the question.
We know that the distribution of test scores follows a normal curve. We also know the following values:
We should first plot the data on a graph that follows the shape of a bell shaped curve with three standard deviations.
We know that the student had the following score:
Let's calculate two standard deviations above the mean.
The student scored very well: above two standard deviations from the mean. Notice that at this point on the graph, the tail of the curve is closer to the horizontal or x-axis. This means that fewer students scored this high on the exam. In other words, the student performed very well.
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