The Normal Distribution in Statistics by David S. Moore

The normal distribution, often called the bell curve, is a common way to describe how data values are spread out. In this shape, most observations cluster around the average (middle), with fewer values appearing as you move farther away in either direction. This pattern is symmetrical, meaning one side mirrors the other. It helps us understand probabilities and predict how likely a certain value is to occur. Many natural and social phenomena, like heights or test scores, tend to follow this distribution, making it a fundamental concept in statistics for analyzing data patterns.