Normal Distribution

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD, MPH

2005

Objectives
Learning Objective
- To understand the topic on Normal Distribution and
its importance in different disciplines.
Performance Objectives
At the end of this lecture the student will be able to:
Draw normal distribution curves and calculate the
standard score (z score)
Apply the basic knowledge of normal distribution to
solve problems.
Interpret the results of the problems.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Types of Distribution
Frequency Distribution
Normal (Gaussian) Distribution
Probability Distribution
Poisson Distribution
Binomial Distribution
Sampling Distribution
t distribution
F distribution
Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,
MPH

What is Normal (Gaussian) Distribution?

The normal distribution is a descriptive model
that describes real world situations.
It is defined as a continuous frequency

distribution of infinite range (can take any

values not just integers as in the case of
binomial and Poisson distribution).

This is the most important probability

distribution in statistics and important tool in

analysis of epidemiological data and
management science.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Characteristics of Normal Distribution

It links frequency distribution to

probability distribution

Has a Bell Shape Curve and is

Symmetric

It is Symmetric around the mean:

Two halves of the curve are the same

(mirror images)
Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,
MPH

Characteristics of Normal Distribution Contd

Hence Mean = Median

The total area under the curve is 1 (or 100%)
Normal Distribution has the same shape as

Standard Normal Distribution.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Characteristics of Normal Distribution Contd

In a Standard Normal Distribution:

The mean ( ) = 0

and

Standard deviation () =1

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Z Score (Standard Score)3

Z =

X-

Z indicates how many standard

deviations away from the mean the point

x lies.
Z score is calculated to 2 decimal

places.
Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,
MPH

Tables
Areas under the standard normal curve

(Appendices of the textbook)

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Diagram of Normal Distribution Curve

(z distribution)
33.35%
13.6%

2.2%

0.15

-3

-2

-1

Modified from Dawson-Saunders, B & Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical

Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Distinguishing Features
The mean 1 standard deviation

covers 66.7% of the area under the

curve

The mean 2 standard deviation covers

95% of the area under the curve

The mean 3 standard deviation covers

99.7% of the area under the curve

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,
MPH

Skewness
Positive Skewness:

Mean Median

Negative Skewness:

Median Mean

Pearsons Coefficient of Skewness3:

= 3 (Mean Median)
Standard deviation

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Positive Skewness (Tail to Right)

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Negative Skewness (Tail to Left)

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Exercises
Assuming the normal heart rate (H.R) in

normal healthy individuals is normally

distributed with Mean = 70 and Standard
Deviation =10 beats/min

The exercises are modified from examples in Dawson-Saunders, B &

Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Exercise # 1
Then:
1) What area under the curve is above 80
beats/min?

Modified from Dawson-Saunders, B & Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical

Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Diagram of Exercise # 1
33.35%
13.6%

2.2%

0.159

-2 from-1examples in Dawson-Saunders,
1
2 B&
The exercises -3
are modified
Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.
Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,
MPH

0.15

Exercise # 2
Then:
2) What area of the curve is above 90
beats/min?

The exercises are modified from examples in Dawson-Saunders, B &

Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Diagram of Exercise # 2
33.35%
13.6%

2.2%

0.15

0.023

-3

-2

-1

The exercises are modified from examples in Dawson-Saunders, B &

Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Exercise # 3
Then:
3) What area of the curve is between
50-90 beats/min?

The exercises are modified from examples in Dawson-Saunders, B &

Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Diagram of Exercise # 3
33.35%
13.6%

2.2%

0.954
0.15

-2 are modified
-1
examples1 in Dawson-Saunders,
2
3 B&
The-3
exercises
from
Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.
Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,
MPH

Exercise # 4
Then:
4) What area of the curve is above 100
beats/min?

The exercises are modified from examples in Dawson-Saunders, B &

Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Diagram of Exercise # 4
33.35%
13.6%

2.2%

0.15

0.015

-3

-2

-1

The exercises are modified from examples in Dawson-Saunders, B &

Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Exercise # 5

5) What area of the curve is below 40

beats per min or above 100 beats per
min?

The exercises are modified from examples in Dawson-Saunders, B &

Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Diagram of Exercise # 5
33.35%
13.6%

2.2%

0.15

0.015

0.015

-3

-2

-1

The exercises are modified from examples in Dawson-Saunders, B &

Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Solution/Answers
1) 15.9% or 0.159
2) 2.3% or 0.023
3) 95.4% or 0.954
The exercises are modified from examples in Dawson-Saunders, B &
Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Solution/Answers Contd

4) 0.15 % or 0.015
5) 0.3 % or 0.015 (for each tail)

The exercises are modified from examples in Dawson-Saunders, B &

Trapp, RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

Application/Uses of Normal Distribution

Its application goes beyond describing distributions
It is used by researchers and modelers.
The major use of normal distribution is the role it

plays in statistical inference.

The z score along with the t score, chi-square and

F-statistics is important in hypothesis testing.

It helps managers/management make decisions.

Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,

MPH

References/Further Reading
1) Dawson-Saunders, B & Trapp, RG. Basic and
Clinical Biostatistics, 2nd edition, 1994.
2) Last, J. A Dictionary of Epidemiology. 3rd
edition,1995.
3) Wisniewski, M. Quantitative Methods For
Decision Makers, 3rd edition, 2002.
4) Pidd, M. Tools For Thinking. Modelling in
Management Science. 2nd edition, 2003.
Tripthi M. Mathew, MD,
MPH