Distribution of Non-Gaussian Data: Analysis & Presentation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the challenges of analyzing a non-Gaussian distribution of fish catch data, characterized by a high skewness of 7.463 and a standard deviation nearly double the mean. Participants suggest exploring the Poisson distribution, although it is noted that a standard deviation cannot exceed the mean in that context. The conversation also touches on the possibility of a gamma distribution due to the variability in catch amounts among individuals. There is a need to determine appropriate correlations and presentation methods for the data, especially when considering seasonal splits. Overall, the analysis highlights the complexities of working with non-normally distributed data in statistical contexts.
JohnFishy
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Any help would be much appreciated.

The problem lies in the non-Gaussian distribution of the sample. If we take the entire data set of total fish catch, the skewness statistic equals 7.463 with a std. error of skewness of 0.39. Accordingly, the Z dist. (7.463/0.39)=19.14. Overall, the mean=8.75, std deviation=15.27, and std. error of mean=.245, median=4.5, range=299.97. Percentiles at 25%=2, 50%=4.5, and 75%=9.7. here is a histogram of the entire data set: http://imgur.com/4nHCyRl. I would like to split the data into season so what kind of correlations can be applicable in this scenario with such a non-normally distributed data set? Likewise, how would one present this data? the std deviation is almost twice as large as the mean. Would you use std error of mean instead?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi John,

Are you familiar with the Poisson (:smile:) distribution ? If not, then you should read up on it.
 
BvU said:
Hi John,

Are you familiar with the Poisson (:smile:) distribution ? If not, then you should read up on it.

A Poisson distribution can not have a standard deviation that is double that of the mean.

It might be a gamma for example though.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes BvU
Yeah, well some guys catch nothing and others hook 250. So the question is: what are we looking at, dear JohnFishy ?
From looking at the other thread I suspect we are looking at 4765 kg of bird caught by 400 people ?
So 12 kilogram of bird on average, and we are trying to find a standard deviation to accompany this 12 kg ?
 
Back
Top