Essay

Explain how a researcher can visually distinguish between a symmetrical distribution, a negatively skewed distribution, and a positively skewed distribution when examining a histogram.

Question: Explain how a researcher can visually distinguish between a symmetrical distribution, a negatively skewed distribution, and a positively skewed distribution when examining a histogram.

Sample answer: A researcher can distinguish these shapes on a histogram by looking at the balance of the halves and the position of the peak and tail. A symmetrical distribution is balanced with mirror-image halves. A negatively skewed distribution has its peak toward the upper end with a long negative tail. In contrast, a positively skewed distribution has its peak toward the lower end with a long positive tail.

Key points:

  • Symmetrical distributions have balanced mirror-image halves.
  • Negatively skewed distributions peak toward the upper end with a long negative tail.
  • Positively skewed distributions peak toward the lower end with a long positive tail.

Rubric: To receive full credit, the student must describe all three distribution shapes: 1) Symmetrical distribution is balanced with mirror-image halves. 2) Negatively skewed distribution has its peak toward the upper end with a long negative tail. 3) Positively skewed distribution peaks toward the lower end with a long positive tail.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-27

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

Related