| The normal distribution
(also known as the Gaussian distribution)
is a continuous
probability distribution. Most
processes that are 'in
control' conform to a normal
distribution, or to some variant of it.
Normality is also a condition of many statistical
tests.
The normal distribution has a 'bell shape':
The proportion of the process output that
falls within a range of values is represented
by the area of the curve. Values are:
| Between -1 and +1 Standard Deviation |
68.3% (about two thirds) |
| Between -2 and +2 Standard Deviation |
95.5% (about 95%) |
| Between -3 and +3 Standard Deviation |
99.7% |
All values can be obtained from the Normal
Distribution Tables.
|
