Short Answer

A psychologist plots self-esteem scores for a group of patients and finds that the histogram has a single peak at the score of 25, with frequencies steadily decreasing for scores lower than 20 and higher than 30. Apply the definition of a unimodal distribution to explain whether this graph qualifies as one.

Question: A psychologist plots self-esteem scores for a group of patients and finds that the histogram has a single peak at the score of 25, with frequencies steadily decreasing for scores lower than 20 and higher than 30. Apply the definition of a unimodal distribution to explain whether this graph qualifies as one.

Sample answer: Yes, this graph qualifies as a unimodal distribution. It displays a single, distinct peak at the score of 25, and the frequencies taper off in both directions (decreasing for scores lower than 20 and higher than 30), which matches the visual criteria for a unimodal shape.

Key points:

  • Identifies the distribution as unimodal.
  • References the single peak at the score of 25.
  • Notes the tapering frequencies/tails in both directions.

Rubric: The student should state that the graph is a unimodal distribution (worth 30%), justify this by pointing out the single distinct peak at 25 (worth 30%), and reference the tapering tails in both directions (worth 40%).

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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