Fayetteville State Univ.: Sampling Distributions

The validity of data depends on the strength of the sample. A collection of instruction and activities focuses on sampling distributions and the analysis of that data. Scholars learn about distribution tests such and Central Limit...

Investigate the meaning of a sample proportion using this hands-on activity. Scholars collect data and realize that the larger the sample size the more closely the data resembles a normal distribution. They compare the sample proportion...

How random is random? Demonstrate the different random sampling methods using a hands-on activity. Pupils use various sampling techniques to choose a random sample of elements from the periodic table. They use the different samples to...

Compare different random sampling types using an archaeological setting. Scholars collect data from an archaeological plot using simple random samples, stratified random samples, systematic random samples, and cluster random samples....

A review is provided at the start of this resource, then the more specific discussion of sampling distributions gets under way. Graphs are provided for ease in understanding the material.

The introductory paragraph explains Z-Distributions, their spread, and the ability to find certain values within the distribution. Two animated graphs are then provided as an example of the probability of the normal distribution curve.

An example is provided for the explanation of grouped frequency distributions. Graphs show how to construct histograms and overlapping bell curves, and Excel documents are discussed as being useful here.

The different types of distributions are discussed here - uniform, regular, negative exponential, triangular, and normal. The properties of probability distributions are also explained here in detail. A good starting point in the topic...

This discussion of statistical t distributions is presented in notes with examples added as needed.

One-tail and two-tail t-distribution tests are explained here in detail. When is one the preferred method? A good comparison is offered.