Module 4
Module 4
Introduction
To be able to decide on what statistical tool to be used. A test of normality
shall be done. It can be done through skewness and kurtosis.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module the student will be able to:
1. Learn and explain random variables and probability distributions.
2. Understand and discuss expected values, mean and variance
Lesson 1: Skewness
According to Salvatore, D. & Reagle, D. (2001), a distribution has zero
skewness if it is symmetrical about its mean. For a symmetrical (unimodal)
distribution, the mean, median, and mode are equal. A distribution is positively
skewed if the right tail is longer. A distribution is negatively skewed if the left tail is
longer.
Example: Consider the given table from Module 2. The mean, median and standard
deviation are already solved, hence we can compute for the skewness.
Sk= 3(μ-Med) = 3(65.5-69.33) =3(-3.83) = -3.209
σ 3.58 3.58
Lesson 2: Kurtosis
A peaked curve is called leptokurtic, as opposed to a flat one (platykurtic), relative to
one that is mesokurtic.
σ4
Example: Consider
Kurtosis=Σf(X-μ)4 = 2,000,0000 = 2,000,000 = 12,175
σ4 3.584 164.26
Table 7
Σf(X-µ)4=2,000,000
Suggested Readings
https://opentextbc.ca/introstatopenstax/chapter/mean-or-
expected-value-and-standard-deviation/