We define the distribution of frequencies as the gathering of data in exclusive categories between them. The shape of a distribution is characterized by four basic properties of frequency distribution that we will define in this Psychology-Online article: central tendency, variability, bias or asymmetry, and kurtosis or targeting.
Central trend
It is a value of the variable that is towards the center of the frequency distribution. This value is called average and it is a value that synthesizes all the values of the distribution.
Variability
It is an index or measure that summarizes the degree of concentration of the values of a distribution around an average. If the values are very close to the average, we speak of a homogeneous distribution; if, on the contrary, the values are far from the average, we speak of heterogeneous distribution.
Bias or asymmetry
It refers to degree of symmetry or skewness of a frequency distribution. If there are a similar number of observations below and above the average, the distribution is said to be
Kurtosis or pointing
It refers to degree of pointing of the frequency distribution. When it is very pointed, it is said to be leptokurtic, and if it is very crushed, it is said to be platicúrtica. An intermediate degree between these degrees of aiming is the distribution mesocúrtic, which is the normal or reference distribution to establish the degree of pointing.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
