A Bell Curve describes the distribution of a data set that creates a bell-shaped curve in a line graph which graphically expresses the probability distribution (also called Normal Distribution or Gaussian Distribution).
It is seen in the kind of probability distribution method that is used to distribute gathered data that has certain characteristics. The line graphs curved into a “Bell” shape presents statistics in a graphic manner that helps in further analysis.
Major Elements of a Bell Curve
There are a few major elements in each bell curve and knowing them helps read into the dataset. The four major aspects are as follows -
- Mean (the highest point on the line's arc)
- Mode (the central point or mean)
- Standard deviation (quantifies the variability of data distribution)
- Symmetry (peak in the center - diminishing slopes on either side)
The most vital element of a Gaussian distribution is that the curve is concentrated in the middle and diminishes on either side and which makes a “bell” shape. It is crucial because the data has a lower tendency to create abnormally extreme values, known as outliers, as compared to other distribution methods.
Use of the Term in a Sentence
- The mean, mode, and median of the data gathered are shown at the top of the bell curve.
- Bell curves are widely utilized in statistics, particularly the analysis of financial and economic data.