At this stage the Genesis of the theoretical Normal curve might be
briefly explained and the generality of its application; also some of
its beautiful properties of reproduction. Many of the diagrams already
shown would be again employed to show the prevalence of approximately
normal distributions. Exceptions of strongly marked Skew curves would be
exhibited and their genesis briefly described.
It will then be explained that while the ordinate at _any_ specified
centesimal division in two normal curves of deviation measures their
relative variability, the Quartile is commonly employed as the unit of
variability under the almost grotesque name of ‘Probable Error,’ which
is intended to signify that the length of any Deviate in the system is
as likely as not to exceed or to fall short of it. This, by
construction, is the case of either Quartile.
(New words and meanings—Scheme of Distribution of Deviates, Axis,
Normal, Skew, Quartile, and Probable Error.)
In the fourth lesson it has to be explained that the Curve of Normal
Distribution is not a direct result of calculation, neither does the
formula that expresses it lend itself so freely to further calculation,
as the curve of Frequency. Their shapes differ; the first is an Ogive,
the second (Fig. 7) is Bell-shaped. In the curve of Frequency the
Deviations are reckoned from the Mean of all the Variates, and not from
the Median. Mean and Median are the same in Normal Curves, but may
differ much in others. Either of these normal curves can be transformed
into the other, as is best exemplified by using a Polygon (Fig. 8)
instead of the Curve, consisting of a series of rectangles differing in
height by the same amounts, but having widths respectively
representative of the frequencies of 1, 3, 3, 1. (This is one of those
known as a Binomial series, whose genesis might be briefly explained.)
If these rectangles are arrayed in order of their widths, side by side,
they become the equivalents of the ogival curve of Distribution. Now if
each of these latter rectangles be slid parallel to itself up to either
limit, their bases will overlap and they become equivalent to the
bell-shaped curve of Frequency with its base vertical.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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