skewed distribution

Fig. 28 Skewed distribution. (a) Positively skewed distribution. (b) Negatively skewed distribution.

skewed distribution

a distribution of data obtained from a sample or population which does not show the NORMAL DISTRIBUTION of a bell-shaped curve. In a normal distribution the MEAN, MEDIAN and MODE fall in the same place – the curve is symmetrical. In a positively skewed distribution (Fig. 28a) the mode and median are less than the mean, while in a negatively skewed distribution (Fig. 28b) the mean is less than the median and mode. Some population characteristics have a normal distribution, e.g. height, others may be skewed, e.g. social class among students in higher education.