Z-scores (standardized scores)

We use the z-score to re-scale (standardize) the original variable (e.g., kilograms) in units of standard deviations (S)
This is much like re-scaling temperature from degrees F to degrees C
C = (F - 32) *5/9

z-score = (Xi – Mean)/S

Calculate the z-score for each weight (Standardize the weights)

Use the workbook function standardize

Baby’s crib number Baby's weight (kg) z-score (standardize)

1 3.3 -1.14
2 3.4 -0.84
3 3.7 0.06
4 3.9 0.66
5 4.1 1.25

Mean (average) 3.68

sample variance 0.112
sample standard devi 0.335
standard error of the 0.150

We can re-scale any variable using the z-score.

Standardizing lets us describe any value in terms of standard deviations from the mean (its z-score).
rams) in units of standard deviations (S)

z-score = (Xi – Mean)/S

-1.14
-0.84
0.06
0.66
1.25

m the mean (its z-score).

Standard Normal distribution (mean = 0, standard deviation = 1)

Z (std dev) probability

-4 0.000
-3 0.004 Standard Normal distribution
-2 0.054
-1 0.242 0.500
-0.5 0.352
0 0.399
0.400

p-value
0.5 0.352 0.300
1 0.242
2 0.054 0.200
3 0.004 0.100
4 0.000
0.000
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
Z score (standard deviations)

Cumulative Standard Normal distribution (= total area under the curve to the left of Z)
Z = std dev probability
-4 0.000
-3 0.001
-2 0.023
Cumulative Standard Normal distribution
-1.96 0.025 1.000
-1 0.159
-0.5 0.309 0.800
0 0.500 0.600
p-value

0.5 0.691
0.84 0.800 0.400
1 0.841 0.200
1.645 0.950
1.96 0.975 0.000
2 0.977 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
3 0.999
4 1.000
Z score = std dev

Inverse of the Cumulative Standard Normal distribution

p-value (alpha) Z(alpha)
0.025 -1.960 0.025 of the probability (area under the curve) occurs below z = -1.96
0.05 -1.645
0.5 0.000
0.8 0.842
0.95 1.645
0.975 1.960 1 - 0.975 = 0.025 of the probability (area under the curve) occurs above z = -1.96
0.999 3.090
0.9999 3.719
0.99999 4.265
 0.999999 4.753

The area under the tails of the curve, more than two standard deviations from the mean, is approximately 5%

Probability (area)
0.025 -1.960 0.025 of the probability (area under the curve) occurs below z = -1.96
0.025 1.960 1 - 0.975 = 0.025 of the probability (area under the curve) occurs above z = -1.96
0.05 =total Add together: 0.05 of the probability is more than 1.96 standard deviations from the me
So 1 - 0.05 = 0.95 of the probability is less than 1.96 standard deviations from the mea

95% of the total probability is between roughly 2 standard deviations from the mean
5% of the total probability is in the tails beyong 2 standard deviations from the mean
ution

2 3 4 5
ations)

distribution

2 3 4 5

elow z = -1.96

e) occurs above z = -1.96

is approximately 5%

elow z = -1.96
e) occurs above z = -1.96
standard deviations from the mean (in the tails)
andard deviations from the mean