Adding normal distribution - z-scores

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical validity of adding z-scores from different normal distributions. It concludes that it is not mathematically permissible to add z-scores together, as they are standardized values derived from a normal distribution with a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1 (N(0,1)). When combining z-scores from different distributions, the resulting value does not correspond to a valid z-score, as it would relate to a distribution N(0,m), where m is the number of distributions combined.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of normal distributions and their properties
  • Knowledge of z-scores and their calculation
  • Familiarity with statistical concepts such as mean and standard deviation
  • Basic grasp of probability theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of normal distributions and their sums
  • Learn about the implications of combining z-scores from different distributions
  • Study the concept of standardized scores in statistics
  • Explore resources on statistical inference and hypothesis testing
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Statisticians, data analysts, and students studying statistics who seek to understand the limitations of z-scores and the properties of normal distributions.

blumfeld0
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Hi -

I have a quick question. I understand that the sum of two normal distributions is a normal distribution. Now let's say I have the z-score from one normal distribution and the z-score of another set of data that is also normally distributed and a third and a fourth etc.

I just want to know if it is mathematically allowed to ADD the z-scores together? I do not care too much about the probability (p-value). I would like to know if it is allowed and are there any internet references on this topic?

Thank you very much.
 
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blumfeld0 said:
I just want to know if it is mathematically allowed to ADD the z-scores together?

You didn't specify what you meant by "mathematically allowed", but I can't think of any reasonable interpretation of those words where the answer would be "yes". So let's say the answer is "no".

If you have a specific question, perhaps you should give a very specific example to explain what you mean.
 
blumfeld0 said:
Hi -

I have a quick question. I understand that the sum of two normal distributions is a normal distribution. Now let's say I have the z-score from one normal distribution and the z-score of another set of data that is also normally distributed and a third and a fourth etc.

I just want to know if it is mathematically allowed to ADD the z-scores together? I do not care too much about the probability (p-value). I would like to know if it is allowed and are there any internet references on this topic?

Thank you very much.

One thing about the z-scores is that we assume this relates to a N(0,1) distribution. If you different distributions corresponding to N(0,1) together, you end up getting something relating to N(0,m) where m is the number of distributions and because of this, you are no longer dealing with something that a z-score should correspond to.
 

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