test for normality

any procedure used to test whether a data set follows a normal distribution. Many statistical procedures are based on the assumption that the random variable of interest is normally distributed. When this assumption is violated, interpretation and inference from the statistical tests may not be warranted. Often, normality is most conveniently assessed using graphical methods, such as a stem-and-leaf plot, to visualize the differences between an empirical distribution and the standard normal distribution. Alternatively, there are statistical tests of normality, such as the Kolmogorov–Smirnov goodness-of-fit test and the Shapiro–Wilk test.

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Psychology term of the day

October 15th 2024

alcohol intoxication delirium

in DSM–IV–TR and DSM–5, a reversible syndrome that develops over a short period (usually hours to days) following heavy alcohol consumption. Disturbance of consciousness (e.g., reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention) is accompanied by changes in cognition (e.g., memory deficit, disorientation, or language disturbance) in excess of those usually associated with alcohol intoxication. See also substance intoxication delirium.