1. Name an example of a real-world data set, not yet mentioned in the course,
where you would typically expect to see a normal distribution. Be sure to
describe what the labels would be for the horizontal and vertical axis of the
display. Then explain why you would expect a normal distribution. What range
of data values would you expect to represent 1 standard deviation from the
mean? (15 points; 10 for your answer, 5 for response to others' comments.)
2. This lesson asked you to investigate what it means for data to fall within 1, 2,
and 3 standard deviations from the mean in a variety of normal distribution
curves. Imagine that you hold a position on your city council and are in charge
of creating new programs to benefit members of your community. In some
cases, you must also decide which parts of the population are eligible for
enrollment in a given program. How might the concept of standard deviations
from the mean be interpreted in your decisions? For example, is it fair to make
most programs only available to populations within 1 standard deviation from
the mean? Can you imagine cases where you might want to create new
programs for people who fall toward the extreme ends of the distribution? Give
your opinion as well as some examples. (15 points; 10 for your answer, 5 for
response to others' comments.)