Hi friends. I have a relatively big data, more than 400 and variables were normally distributed, so the sample is normal. However, I'm not sure about the randomization of my sample. Is there any reference that says normality is a sign of randomization of the sample?
Thanks to all in advance.
Hello Mahnaz,
Without additional information, the shape of a distribution of sample scores tells you nothing about the degree to which: (a) the sample is random from the parent population; or (b) the sample is representative of the parent population.
As a simple example, suppose that a population has a bimodal distribution, but the sample was purposively drawn from just the lower end. You might well end up with a sample that exhibits a score distribution that appears normal, but is obviously neither random nor representative.
Good luck with your work!
Hi Mahnaz Shojaee
In addition to what David Morse rightly noted. Randomization actually depends the techniques you used in sampling. The fact that the data is normally distributed does not justify random sampling. Additionally, you may use random sampling techniques but the distribution may end up to be not normally distributed.
Hello Mahnaz,
I agree completely with David Morse and Eddie-Williams Owiredu. Even in large data sets of random data samples taken can provide normal and multi modal distributions.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Statistical Analysis
- Data Analysis
- Dataset
- Big Data