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Based on the researcher's observations, diagnose the type of distribution shape shown in this histogram and justify your decision using the characteristics of the peak and tail.
Case context: A psychology researcher constructs a histogram of scores from a recent exam to evaluate student performance. The histogram shows that the vast majority of students scored very high, producing a peak toward the upper end of the score range, while a few students scored very poorly, forming a tail that stretches toward the lower end.
Question: Based on the researcher's observations, diagnose the type of distribution shape shown in this histogram and justify your decision using the characteristics of the peak and tail.
Sample answer: The distribution is negatively skewed. The diagnosis is justified because the peak of the scores is situated toward the upper end of the range, and a long negative tail stretches toward the lower end of the scale, which fits the definition of a negatively skewed distribution.
Key points:
- Identify the distribution as negatively skewed.
- Justify the classification by noting the peak is toward the upper end.
- Justify the classification by noting the tail stretches toward the lower end.
Rubric: Full credit is awarded if the student correctly identifies the distribution as negatively skewed and justifies it by noting that the peak is toward the upper end and the tail stretches toward the lower end.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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