Distribuzione

  • Cos'è la distribuzione normale?
  • Qual è il margine di errore?

Distribuzione normale

La curva di distribuzione normale è una curva a campana.

Ciascuna banda della curva ha una larghezza di 1 Deviazione Standard :

Distribuzione normale standard

Ciascuna banda della curva ha una larghezza di 1 Deviazione standard dal valore medio .

I valori inferiori a 1 deviazione standard rappresentano il 68,27% .

I valori inferiori a 2 deviazioni standard di distanza rappresentano il 95,45% .

I valori inferiori a 3 deviazioni standard di distanza rappresentano il 99,73% .

Cosa significa?

La maggior parte delle osservazioni è entro 1 deviazione standard dalla media.

Quasi tutte le osservazioni sono entro 2 deviazioni standard.

Practically all observations are within 3 standard deviations.


Normal Distribution Facts

Normal distribution is Symmetric. The peak always divides the distribution in half.

Normal distribution is a Probability distribution.

A lot of observations follow the normal distribution:

  • Your IQ
  • Your Weight
  • Your Height
  • Your Salary
  • Your Blood Pressure

Normal distribution shows that values near the mean are more frequent than values far from the mean:

Distance from the Mean ValuePercentage of the Population
1 Standard deviation68.27%
2 Standard deviations95.45%
3 Standard deviations99.73%

The 68–95–99.7 Rule (aka The Empirical Rule), is a shorthand to remember the percentage of values that lie within the different bands of a normal distribution.

Normal distribution is also known as the Gaussian Distribution and the Bell Curve.


The Margin of Error

Statisticians will always try to predict everything with 100% accuracy.

But, there will always be some uncertainty.

The Margin of Error is the number that quantifies this statistical uncertainty.

Different margins define different ranges for where we believe the correct answers can be found.

The acceptable margin is a matter of judgment, and relative to how important the answer is.

The more samples we collect, the lower the margin of error is:


Margine di errore


How to Interpret Margin of Error

Suppose 55% of a sampled population say they plan to vote "Yes".

When projecting this to a whole population, you add/subtract the margin of error to give a range of possible results.

With a margin of error of 3%, you are confident that between 52% and 68% will vote "Yes".

With a margin of error of 10%, you are confident that between 45% and 65% will vote "Yes".