Normal Distribution (AKA Gaussian

Probability Distribution)
Posted by Ted Hessing

The Normal distribution is used to analyze data when there is an equally likely
chance of being above or below the mean for continuous
data whose histogram fits a bell curve. Statisticians refer to the normal curve
as the Gaussian  Probability distribution, named after Gauss.

Entertainingly, when students ask for a professor to grade on a curve, they

probably don’t know that would mean 50% of the students would receive
below a 50, or less than a D!

Basic Assumptions:
 Normal Distribution is the most widely known symmetric distribution for
continuous data.
 Symmetrical distribution about the mean (bell-shaped curve)
o They will never be perfect unless you have an infinite data set.
 Commonly used in inferential statistics
o The most commonly used distribution in Six Sigma.
 Family of distributions characterized is by m and s
 The peak of the normal curve is an indication of the average, which is
the center of process variation. An average of a group of numbers is an
indication of the central tendency.
 If there is a normal curve, nothing is unduly influencing the process.
 Is symmetric
o Many other distributions that can be symmetric under the right
conditions including Binomial & Chi Square.
o Do NOT assume that symmetric data is normally distributed.

When to Use Normal Distribution

 When data is grouped around the mean and there is an equal probability
of being above or below the mean (50% above & 50% below the
average).
 If we can transform data to behave like a normal distribution, then do it!
Much easier to work with data in this shape.
 o Ex. If we have to take the log of values, or subtract a number, or
perform some other operation on the data, then do it.
 Use when the histogram fits a bell curve.
 Use when the goodness-of-fit statistic is less than the selected P-value
(usually 0.05).

Uses Include:
 Normal distribution is used to test population means from sample data
 Use a histogram to determine if data are normally distributed.
 Probabilistic assessments of distribution of time between independent
events occurring at a constant rate
 Shape can be used to describe failure rates that are constant as a
function of usage.
 The standard normal or t-distributions are most likely used to compare
two process means.

Formulas for Standard Normal Distribution

In a normal distribution 68% of the data will occur within +/- 1 standard
deviation.

 e = constant (2.71828) – Poisson constant

 x = control variable – (data being studied)
 µ = population mean
 σ = population standard deviation

Formulas for Population mean, Variance, Standard Deviation.

 Formula
for Population Mean, Variance, Standard Deviation

N (capital N) refers to Population.

In this case, σ^2 is the variance.

Formulas for Sample mean, Variance, Standard Deviation.

Formula for Sample Mean,

Variance, Standard Deviation

n (lower case n) refers to sample size.

In this case, s^2 is the variance.

The population equations are different from the sample equations because we
wish to reduce the “degrees of freedom” or increase our confidence in the
sample.

Variation and Bell Shape

Adjusting to Center

You do not want to adjust an on-going process to “center it”. This increases
variation. The more you do this the more the operator is unduly influencing the
process and the less the distribution will be shaped like a bell.
See Quincunx demonstration.
Center of Process Variation

The peak of the normal curve is an indication of the average, which is the
center of process variation.

5Ms & 1 P
When you have a bell shaped curve, none of the 5 Ms or one P are unduly
influencing the process.

Additional Notes:
 Is your process is following a normal distribution?
 How to transform data into a normal distribution.
 Process control for non-normal distributions.

Normal Distribution Videos

Good basic description of normal distribution

What is standard normal distribution?

ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Normal

Distribution Questions:
Question: For a normal distribution, two standard deviations on each side of
the mean would include what percentage of the total population? (Taken
from ASQ sample Black Belt exam.)

Answer:

Thank You for being a Member!

Here’s some of the bonus content that is only available to you as a paying member.

A half sigma is 19.1%, 1 sigma is 19.1+ 15, and 2 sigmas are 19.1% + 15% +
9.2% + 4.4 %  = 47.7%

Now double it to account for the other side of the median: 47.7% * 2 = 95.4%.
So, a process that follows the normal distribution inside can expect to have
95.4% of its values fall within 2 sigmas of the mean.

ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Normal

Distribution Questions:
Question: For a normal distribution, two standard deviations on each side of
the mean would include what percentage of the total population?

(A) 95%
(B) 68%
(C) 47%
(D) 34%

Answer:

Thank You for being a Member!

Here’s some of the bonus content that is only available to you as a paying member.

A: 95%. For this question you need to remember that nearly all of a process’s
outputs will be within 6 sigmas – or 6 standard deviations. 2 standard
deviations on each side of the mean would be 95% of all out comes.