- #1
GLD223
- 14
- 7
Is this a coincidence that this looks like a Gaussian?
- Thread starter GLD223
- Start date
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- Gaussian Statistics
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the appearance of a particular data set or phenomenon that resembles a Gaussian distribution. Participants explore whether this resemblance is coincidental or indicative of underlying relationships, considering various contexts and interpretations.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested, Exploratory, Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that the resemblance is coincidental, attributing it to moisture wicking and growth of mould or algae.
- Another participant notes that many natural relationships can appear Gaussian under certain conditions, emphasizing the role of axis scaling in data representation.
- A participant humorously mentions their tendency to question whether data observed by experimentalists is Gaussian.
- One participant asserts that the observed shape is not Gaussian, describing it as "too pointy."
- Another participant claims the shape is "too kurtotic to be Gaussian," indicating a deviation from Gaussian characteristics.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on whether the observed shape can be classified as Gaussian, with no consensus reached on the nature of the data or its implications.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference various characteristics of distributions, such as kurtosis and peak sharpness, without resolving the definitions or implications of these terms in relation to the observed data.
- #2
Baluncore
Science Advisor
2025 Award
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Welcome to PF.
Yes, it is a coincidence.
It looks like moisture is wicking through the render, with a mould or algae growing there.
Is this the cool, shaded side of the building?
What city?
Yes, it is a coincidence.
It looks like moisture is wicking through the render, with a mould or algae growing there.
Is this the cool, shaded side of the building?
What city?
- #3
sophiecentaur
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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Nearly every natural relationship between variables (within some arbitrary range) either looks linear, quadratic, exponential, sinusoidal or gaussian. Change the scales of the x and y axes an you can get a 'convincing fit' (good enough, often to convince a jury).GLD223 said:
Don't blame the Scientist who starts off with one of those curves when trying to work out the theory; it's always a good first step.
- #4
Haborix
- 382
- 446
I made a habit out of annoying my experimentalist friends by asking them "Is that a Gaussian?!" every time they were looking at data.
- #5
Hornbein
Gold Member
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It's not a Gaussian. Too pointy.
I once saw a Gaussian when snowflakes leaked through a slot onto a narrow ledge.
I once saw a Gaussian when snowflakes leaked through a slot onto a narrow ledge.
- #6
BWV
- 1,665
- 2,009
Too kurtotic to be Gaussian
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