Z-Scores

Abstract

This activity is meant to introduce students to z-scores, which is one of the steps in learning statistics, probability, and data analysis.  Students will learn the association between percentages under the Normal Distribution curve and z-scores, how to calculate z-scores, as well as how to interpret individual performance levels based on z-scores. The activity eases students into the understanding of z-scores by first drawing an analogy between area on a football field and the area under the Normal Distribution curve.

Level: High School, Undergraduate, Graduate
Setting: Classroom or Laboratory
Activity Type: Learning Cycle
Discipline: Psychology
Course: Research Methods and Statistics
Keywords: Z-score, Normal Distribution, Bell Curve, percentile