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bell curve

 

Definitions from the Web

Bell Curve

Description:

The term "bell curve" refers to a statistical distribution shape that resembles a bell, hence the name. It is also known as a Gaussian distribution or normal distribution. The bell curve is commonly used in various fields, including statistics, mathematics, and social sciences, to illustrate the distribution of data around the mean value.

Senses and Usages:

Sense 1: Statistical Distribution

In this sense, the bell curve represents a graphical representation of a normal distribution of a set of data points. It is symmetrical, with the majority of values clustering around the mean, and fewer values gradually falling towards the extremes.

Example Sentence 1: The test scores followed a bell curve, with the majority of students scoring near the average.

Example Sentence 2: The sales figures showed a bell curve, indicating that most purchases were made around the average price point.

Sense 2: Performance Evaluation

In this sense, the bell curve is used in performance reviews or grading systems to rank individuals relative to their peers. It is based on the assumption that performance levels naturally follow a bell-shaped distribution.

Example Sentence 1: The company used a bell curve to rate employee performance, allocating a limited number of top ratings.

Example Sentence 2: The professor graded the students according to a bell curve, where only a certain percentage could receive an "A" grade.

Sense 3: Social Science

In social sciences, the bell curve is often associated with the distribution of characteristics in a population, addressing topics such as intelligence, height, or income.

Example Sentence 1: The researchers analyzed the bell curve of income distribution to understand the economic disparities in the country.

Example Sentence 2: The study examined the bell curve of IQ scores to investigate the variations in cognitive abilities.

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