Normality Tests Introduction

• Normal distribution (often called the bell curve) is basically interpreted on

the assumption that certain characteristics of large population are dispersed
Prepared and Compiled meaningful.
Cengiz Beşoğul
• In a normal population, the scores are dense in the center, they disperse
loosely as they move away from the center.
• The statistical narration of these properties is the Normal Probability
Distribution.
Bell-Shaped
• The normal probability distribution gives Distribution
a bell-shaped appearance and is
symmetrical around the center values.

2
Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine

Introduction Normality Tests

• The normal distribution (often called the bell curve) is a specific
symmetrical distribution whose highest point occurs the middle and whose
frequencies decrease as the values on the X-axis move away from the
midpoint.
In a normal distribution,
• the midpoint is the mean, median,
and mode. (called central measures
for data)
• As scores move away from the
midpoint, the frequency of their
occurrence decreases symmetrically
• It is accepted that social events (such as Demographics, Health,
Social Events..) and some scientific event results conform to
normal distribution.
• The event data subjected the research is tested whether they are
dispersed normally or not before statistical examination.
• The group of tests which aim to exam any data to understand
whether they are dispersed normally or not are called Normality
tests.

3 4
Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine

Statistical Data Analysis and Normality Parametric Tests Used in Statistical Data Analysis
• Basic assumptions in analyzing numerical data for parametric tests; Parametric tests used in Statistical Analysis
• Data conforming to normal distribution, Variances being homogeneous, Parametric Test Analysis Type Example
Is the mean systolic blood pressure (at baseline) for patients
• The subjects are chosen at random from the universe, Two-sample t-test
Compare means between two
assigned to placebo different from the mean for patients
distinct/independent groups
• The subjects are independent from each other, assigned to the treatment group?

• The number of subjects is sufficient. Compare two quantitative Was there a significant change in systolic blood
Paired t-test measurements taken from the pressure between baseline and the six-month follow up
• Testing of normal distribution is done with NORMALITY tests. same individual measurement in the treatment group?

• Cases where parametric tests are not applied: Compare means between
If our experiment had three groups (e.g., placebo, new drug
Analysis of variance #1, new drug #2), we might want to know whether the mean
• If the data does not conform to the normal distribution, (ANOVA)
three or more
systolic blood pressure at baseline differed among the three
• if the scales are different, distinct/independent groups
groups?
• if the number of data is less than 30 Estimate the degree of
Pearson coefficient
• In such cases, Nonparametric tests are used. association between two Is systolic blood pressure associated with the patient’s age?
of correlation
quantitative variables
5 6
Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine
 Parametric Tests and Normality Tests Analysis Approaches for Test of Normality
• In statistical analyses, parametric tests are applied on numerical
data.
• Basic assumptions of parametric tests; The data distribution fits 1. Analytical Approach 2. Graphical Approach
into normal distribution , variances are homogeneous, subjects are • Central tendency measurements, Comments done on graphics about the
normal distribution of the data help to
selected random from the population, variables of event defined • Skewness and Kurtosis values, decide;
are maybe independent or dependent to each other- the subjects • Shapiro-Wilk, Kolmogorov-Smirnov • Histogram,
are sufficient. test • Q-Q Plot,
are highly objective and popular • Stem and Leaf
• Therefore, before parametric tests are performed, the data analytical test methods. • Boxplot graphs,
should be tested whether the data distribution suits to normal
distribution or not.

7 8
Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine

Analytical Approach for Normality Testing
Central Tendency Measures and Skewness and Kurtosis values
The values related to a statistical software support(Excel, SPSS..)
• Equality (closeness) of Mean, Media, Mode values are
observed.
• Skewness (skewness) and Kurtosis (kurtosis) values are checked
to be close to 0 within ± 1 limits.
• Skewness (skewness) and Kurtosis (kurtosis) values are divided by
with their standard errors (Std. Error).
• The indices obtained as results are examined how they close to 0
within the interval (-2 and +2),
• Comments are evaluated as evidence of the existence of normal
distribution.
9 10
Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine
Analytical Approach to Normality Testing with SPSS Program
Through watch out the result of the Normality Test obtained
from any statistical software
• Statistical software uses the significance value to show whether
the data is normally distributed.
• Kolmogorov-Smirnov (use if n> 30): If Sig.value is less than 0.05,
the data is not distributed Normally.
• Shapiro-Wilk (use if n <30): If Sig.value is less than 0.05, the
data is not distributed Normally.
Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine

Graphical Approach for Normality Test Graphical Approach for Test of Normality
To do normality analysis using graphic drawings In stem and leaf chart;
Histogram Chart The view of the shape of leaves from the side are helpful to
It is decided whether the bell is similar to the bell-shape. if it decide how the data fits on bell-shape.
fits then it is decided that the data conform to the normal
distribution.

Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine 11 Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine 12
 Graphical Approach for Test of Normality Graphical Approach to Normality Testing with SPSS Program
Normality analysis using graphic drawings Normality Analysis using a
• The graphic is examined in a way how the data points fit well to group of chart drawings
the linear trendline. SPSS Output Report Review;
• If the points are located on the line, or they are very close to the Box Plot Graphics
line then it is decided that the data are normally distributed . • Box Chart charts by spliting
data into 25% pieces.
• The fact that the box is
located right in the middle,
that the box is divided into
two equal parts in the
middle, tells you that the
data is normally distributed.
Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine 13 Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine 14

As a result
End of Chapter
• It is very important to determine whether the
analysis data is suitable for normal distribution
before statistical analysis studies.
• Normality decision also contributes to the test
being valid and reliable.

Example
15 16
Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine Biostatistics , Cengiz Beşoğul , Altınbaş University, School of Medicine